The County Government of Uasin Gishu has taken proactive measures to tackle the challenges posed by climate change in the tourism sector.

Led by the County Director for Tourism and Wildlife Management, Margaret Aiyabei, the Government’s Climate Change Unit has been instrumental in developing and implementing strategies for both adaptation and mitigation.

Speaking at a stakeholder engagement organized by the Tourism Research Institute on Monday, Aiyabei highlighted the significant impact of climate change on the tourism industry. She emphasized the urgent need for industry players to embrace climate-resilient practices in their operations.

“This workshop aims to educate and encourage tourism stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices that can mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Aiyabei.

Aiyabei also stressed the importance of stakeholders joining forces with organizations to advocate for resources dedicated to climate change programs and sustainable tourism initiatives in the region.

David Githonga, the acting Chief Executive Officer for Tourism Research Institute, underscored the workshop’s role in informing a government-commissioned study on climate change and tourism. These efforts align with national and international commitments to sustainability outlined in the UN framework.

“Our objective is to assess the current state of climate change impacts on tourism and promote the adoption of sustainable practices across the industry,” said Githonga.

He further emphasized that these initiatives will provide valuable insights into the sector’s progress in addressing climate change challenges and embracing sustainable tourism practices.

The workshop is part of a series of nationwide meetings aimed at advancing the government’s agenda on climate change adaptation and mitigation in the tourism sector.