By SANDRA MULOMI
Kenya is seeking to deepen tourism, investment, and trade links with the United States through a new partnership between Nairobi-based Tuua Safaris and US-based Africaire Hospitality Group.
Unveiled at a Kenya Embassy forum in Washington, D.C., the collaboration establishes the ‘Tourism Triangle.’ This platform connects Kenya, the Washington metropolitan region, and eventually Caribbean markets through tourism, cultural exchange, and business partnerships.
Kenya’s Deputy Chief of Mission in Washington, Ambassador Christopher Kirigua, stated that the initiative creates new avenues for US and Kenyan businesses to collaborate.
“Everyone should visit Kenya and fall in love,” Ambassador Kirigua said. “Most importantly, let us begin progressive conversations with action starting right here, right now, that benefit all of us.”
The September 30 meeting brought together diplomatic, government, aviation, hospitality, and trade representatives from several African nations, alongside business leaders from Washington D.C. and Maryland.
The initiative targets growing interest in Kenya among American leisure travellers, students, executives, and investors. Concurrently, it creates opportunities for Kenyan businesses to access the US market.
Tuua Safaris Founder and CEO Lucy Kimanzi said the company will use the partnership to promote curated travel programmes combining tourism, cultural immersion, and investment.
“Just as we have numerous beautiful destinations… we have engaging cultural exchange programmes that could help develop the youth, expand the mind of university students, or globally expose the workforce within America,” Ms Kimanzi said. She noted that Tuua’s expeditions have already attracted hundreds of travellers, fostering long-term community relationships.
Africaire Hospitality Group CEO Ike Nwaneri added that the initiative will leverage African restaurants, hotels, and cultural experiences in the US to build travel interest.
“Tourism supports impactful missions of unity, progress, and scale for many industries,” Mr Nwaneri said. He noted that exposing American consumers to African culture and cuisine can generate subsequent commercial partnerships.
The Washington metropolitan region offers a strategic base due to its high concentration of embassies, diaspora communities, and transport infrastructure. While initially focusing on Kenya and the D.C.–Maryland market, the organizers plan to expand future engagements to other US and Caribbean markets.
The launch drew notable attendees, including Dr. Oye Owolewa, US Shadow Representative for D.C., and Maryland Aviation Administration CEO Shannetta Griffin. Highlighting the role of diaspora businesses, the event concluded with a four-course culinary showcase of East and West African cuisine supported by AfriThrive Global and local Maryland farms.
