Tourism investors urged to embrace youth-led innovation solutions
Enterprise
By
Philip Mwakio
| Dec 17, 2025
Players in the multi-billion-shilling tourism industry have been urged to embrace innovation, youth-driven solutions and technology as a catalyst for transforming Kenya‘s tourism landscape.
Speaking during the Jamhuru Thematic Week session at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, last week, Lake Bogoria Group of Hotels General Manager Lydia Dentewo said Kenya is well-positioned to lead Africa‘s tourism revival, citing the government‘s investments in key infrastructure development across constituencies and innovations emerging from the Silicon Savanah.
“The private sector‘s resilience and creativity continue to provide a strong foundation for growth,” she said.
Dentewo added that this is the moment for Kenya to reimagine tourism, build smarter, move faster and create boldly.
She emphasised the need to integrate digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainable product diversification, describing them as essential pillars for the future of tourism.
READ MORE
How private sector is missing out on Kenya's preferential trade deals
Why Ruto's infrastructure Fund is in the spot
Boost for women's in the creative economy after new incubation funding deal
How venture capital firm is building the next generation of entrepreneurs
Why local brands must seize the front seat in entertainment sector's gold rush
Networking into a shared digital business, minting cash through linkages
Kenya ups local production of home appliances
What's in your hand? How AI is shaping the homes of tomorrow
Chinese investors channel billions into Africa's energy and industrial sectors
Captain George Kamal takes charge at KQ as Allan Kilavuka disembarks
Dentewo also championed youth empowerment, calling for young innovators to be part of designing world-class tourism experiences.
“If we collaborate intentionally-government, industry players and the Kenyan youth, we can take this sector beyond safaris and beaches, beyond conferences and into a new era of global excellence,” Dentewo said.
At the same time, the hotelier rooted for a sector shift from its traditional approaches and adopted a more inclusive co-creative model.
The country‘s top tourism marketer, Kenya Tourism Board, said the tourism sector continued to build on the resilient performance demonstrated in 2023, making remarkable strides towards sustained recovery and growth.