Africa-Press – Kenya. Former Tourism CS Najib Balala has expressed confidence that his successor Peninah Malonza will continue growing the ministry.
In a statement on Friday, Balala wished Malonza luck as she took over the mandate.
“This morning, I officially handed over the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife docket to Cabinet Secretary, Hon. Peninah Malonza. I wish her all the best in her new role. I gift her a butterfly as a powerful beacon of growth and new beginnings,” he said.
Balala added:
“I am confident that she will accomplish incredible feats in the tourism and wildlife sectors.”
Malonza was among the 22 cabinet secretaries sworn in on Thursday at the State House.
Balala lauded the people of Mombasa, the two former Presidents and the current President for their support during his time in the government.
“I would also like to thank the people of Mombasa, particularly the residents of Mvita constituency, former Heads of State the late H.E Mwai Kibaki, H.E Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, current President H.E Dr William Ruto, and the Kenyan people…for their contributions to my public service career. Asanteni sana.”
Balala has been in the service for 25 years, during which he spent 17 years as a minister and 12 in the tourism sector.
The Ministry underwent new reforms under Balala, leading to revenue growth during the post-Covid 19 period.
“From January to August 2022, the country has received 924,812 international visitors compared to 369,738 during the same period in 2021,” he said in September while releasing the Tourism Sector Performance Report for January to August 2022.
He added that earnings grew to Sh167 billion in 2022, compared to Sh 83 billion during the same period in 2021.
For More News And Analysis About Kenya Follow Africa-Press
