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By Borniface Mulu
Kutui County: Hundreds of people from Kitui County, among them schoolchildren, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, attended this year’s (46th) World Tourism Day celebrations held at the Mutitu Hill Forest within the county’s Mutitu District.
The Deputy Kitui County Governor, Augustin Wambua Kanani, was the event’s chief guest. The colourful event was organised by the Kitui County Tourism, Hospitality and Game Reserves Ministry in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Wildlife Clubs of Kenya (WCK), among others.
“Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism” was the theme of the event. In Kenya, the event was nationally hosted by the University of Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County, led by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. Globally, the event was officially hosted by El Salvador’s capital, San Salvador.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the Mutitu Hill Forest as we commemorate World Tourism Day 2026. I am honoured to be part of this important occasion,” Deputy Governor Kanani said in his speech.
“Today provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of tourism to our social and economic development, reflect on the immense opportunities within our tourism sector, and renew our collective commitment to protecting and promoting the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of Kitui County. I wish to warmly welcome all of you to the Mutitu Hill Forest and appreciate the stakeholders, partners, community members, and organisers whose efforts have made this celebration possible,” he added.
“This year’s World Tourism Day theme, ‘Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism,’ provides an important opportunity for us to reflect on how technology can transform the tourism sector. We must embrace digital marketing, social media, digital mapping, online tourism information, photography, videography, and artificial intelligence to showcase the beauty and experiences available in Kitui to both domestic and international visitors. It should also help improve visitor experiences, collect and analyse tourism information, and strengthen the management of our tourism resources,” said Kanani, who is also the Kitui County Tourism, Hospitality and Game Reserves Minister.
He said: “As we reflect on this theme here at the Mutitu Hill Forest, let us embrace innovation while ensuring that technology remains a tool for promoting sustainable tourism, creating opportunities for our communities, and enhancing the visibility and competitiveness of Kitui County as a tourism destination.”
“The Mutitu Hill Forest is more than a forest. It is a valuable tourism and conservation resource. Its forest ecosystem, scenic landscape, and biodiversity provide opportunities for nature walks, hiking, bird watching, photography, environmental education, cultural experiences, and other forms of nature-based tourism. As we unlock this potential, we must ensure that tourism development does not compromise the ecological integrity of the forest. The County Government will continue to support initiatives aimed at environmental conservation, restoration of degraded areas, tree planting, biodiversity protection, and responsible management of tourism resources in partnership with communities and other stakeholders,” the Deputy Governor further said.
“Indeed, the Mutitu Hill Forest is one of only two Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Kitui County, alongside the Mumoni Hill Forest. These two sites are globally numbered 66 and 67 among over 13,600 Important Bird Areas worldwide, and they are home to the endemic Hinde’s Pied Babbler—a bird found nowhere else on earth. This is not just a local treasure; it is a global asset that places Kitui firmly on the international conservation map.”
Kanani said the success of tourism development at the Mutitu Hill Forest will depend greatly on the active participation of the local community. “I commend the Mutitu Site Support Group and the surrounding communities for their continued efforts to promote and safeguard this important resource. Our vision is to ensure that the communities living around the tourism destinations are active participants and beneficiaries of tourism development,” he said.
“We want to create opportunities for young people to become tour guides and entrepreneurs, support women and youth to participate in hospitality and creative enterprises, and also encourage local businesses to provide tourism products and services. When communities benefit directly from tourism, they develop a stronger sense of ownership and become important partners in protecting and conserving our natural heritage,” Kanani added.
“Tourism development requires strong partnerships. The County Government will continue working with national government agencies, conservation organisations, development partners, private investors, tourism associations, local communities, and other stakeholders to develop the Mutitu Hill Forest as a sustainable tourism destination. I therefore invite investors and tourism stakeholders to explore opportunities in infrastructure, accommodation, guiding, recreation, digital tourism, and other tourism services that can create employment and improve community livelihoods,” he added.
“The County Government launched the Kitui Tourism Circuit on 27th September 2025. The circuit has been subdivided into four tourist circuits: the Kitui South Circuit, Kitui Central Circuit, Mwingi Central Circuit, and Mwingi North Circuit. The Mutitu Hill Forest lies under the Kitui Central Circuit, which connects it to the Miambani Hills, Museve Shrines, Nzambani Rock, and Kalundu Eco-park,” the Deputy Governor said.
“The Mutitu Hill Forest has the potential to complement these attractions and form part of a wider tourism experience that encourages visitors to explore different parts of Kitui County. By strengthening the linkages among our destinations, we can encourage longer visitor stays, increase tourism spending within local communities, create more employment opportunities, and expand the benefits of tourism across the county,” he also said.
“Beyond the Mutitu Hill Forest, Kitui County is a land of untold stories and breathtaking landscapes. We are home to the iconic Nzambani Rock—a towering 183-metre mystical formation believed to be the tallest rock outcrop in Kenya, offering spectacular views of Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Yatta Plateau. Local legend holds that anyone who circles the rock seven times will experience a miraculous change of gender—a tale that has intrigued visitors for generations.”
“We also boast the sacred Museve Shrine and the Ya Kavia Rock Art and Shrine, which tell stories of faith and community heritage. History enthusiasts can visit the Ikutha AIC Church, established in 1886 and still standing in its original form—a testament to resilience and enduring legacy in our region. Our natural endowments include the South Kitui National Game Reserve, the Mwingi National Game Reserve, the Mutomo Hill Plant Sanctuary and Reptile Park, and the Kalundu Dam Eco-Park. Scenic wonders such as Ikoo Valley, Ulonzo Hills, and Kiongwe Hills complete a diverse tourism offering that truly has something for every traveller.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, as we celebrate World Tourism Day, we must change the way we look at conservation, since it is not simply a cost; it is an investment in our future. I call upon all of us to move from ideas to action. Let us conserve our natural resources, embrace digital innovation, empower our communities, support local tourism enterprises, and strengthen partnerships. Let us ensure that tourism becomes a source of employment, investment, conservation, and improved livelihoods for the people of Kitui. Above all, let us develop tourism responsibly so that its benefits are widely shared while our natural and cultural heritage is protected for future generations,” he added.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Mutitu Hill Forest reminds us of the immense tourism potential that exists within our county. I reaffirm the commitment of the County Government of Kitui to working with all stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism, protect our natural heritage, empower our communities, and unlock responsible investment opportunities. With those remarks, I wish you all a successful and memorable World Tourism Day 2026. Happy World Tourism Day. Thank you, and God bless you all, and God bless Kitui County,” Kanani said.
