NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 1 – Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has appointed Mary Luseka as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Brand Kenya.
She replaces outgoing Acting Chief Executive Officer Nzilu Musyoki.
Luseka has been the Strategy and Development Manager at the Kenya Tourism Board.
Apart from the Strategy and Development position, Luseka was part of the Tourism Recovery Task force that was elected to develop a plan that would address underlying challenges and restore Kenya as a tourism destination.
Her appointment comes at a time when Kenya’s tourism ministry has been undergoing revival following months of decline in the number of tourists streaming in due to insecurity threats.
Additionally, she takes up the position when Kenya’s exports have recorded a growth spurt. According to Brand Kenya, growth of exports has risen by Sh43 billion to hit a four year high of Sh580 billion.
At the helm of Brand Kenya, Luseka will be in charge of a board that is mandated to ensure that an integrated national brand is created, harnessed and sustained in the long term.
Its other functions include establishing a brand for Kenya which positions the country optimally in terms of investment, creditworthiness, tourism and international relations.
It is also tasked to unite Kenyans and provide them with positive government information about the country in order to promote patriotism and national pride.
Additionally, it is mandated to promote local products and services to encourage local economic transformation.
Last month, Balala appointed Jonah T Orumoi as the Acting CEO of the Tourism Finance Corporation in place of Marianne Ndegwa.
He also appointed Jacinta Mbithi as the Acting Managing Director of the Kenya Tourism Board to succeed Muriithi Ndegwa.
