British firm to market Kenya

A British public relations firm has been hired to help salvage Kenya’s reputation abroad.

This follows travel advisories by Western countries and recent terror attacks that have dealt Kenya’s image a major blow.

Grayling Global is the country’s official public relations company, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said on Thursday at a press briefing in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Ms Kandie said the firm won a competitive bidding and has been hired on a one-year contract.

The company is expected to help in the recovery of tourism, which has faced tremendous challenges over the past few years.

Grayling Global was represented yesterday by its senior advisor, Lord Peter Chadlington.

“Kenya is enduring very difficult times brought about by the problems affecting cities and countries across the world.

“The profound nature of these problems cannot be overstated and as a government, we are well aware of the importance of confronting the key issues and restoring our reputation as Africa’s number one visitor destination,” she said at Iten’s Kerio View Hotel where she also launched the western Kenya tourism circuit.

The western circuit covers Kisumu, Kakamega, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties.

COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVELY

In a statement issued Thursday, Grayling Global said it would promote Kenya’s potential globally and “assist the government in communicating its message effectively both regionally and internationally”.

“There can be no doubt that Kenya has suffered serious blows to its tourist industry and global reputation over the past 18 months,” said Grayling chief executive for Middle East and Africa Loretta Ahmed.

Ms Ahmed went on: “It is distressing to see one of the world’s most vibrant tourist economies facing such challenges. But there are few places more deserving of support today.”

The company profile says Grayling specialises in public relations, government relations, investor relations and events consultancy.

The company has 54 offices in 26 countries worldwide.

Ms Kandie said the ministry would work with county governments to develop domestic tourism.

She said the ministry was planning to market home stays, agricultural, cultural and sports adventure tourism across the counties.

“There are unexploited investment opportunities in the sports arena, particularly in counties such as Elgeyo-Marakwet that is hosting scores of sports tourists,” she said.

She challenged the Elgeyo-Marakwet County Government to engage in tourism development, citing First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s visits to train in the region as one of the opportunities for significantly marketing the region.