Northern Kenya is a region characterized by stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic wildlife species.
A natural tourist destination, it has the potential to generate significant economic and societal benefits for its inhabitants.
Tourism in northern Kenya provides jobs and supports community development priorities such as education, healthcare, clean water, and infrastructure. Indigenous communities in the region are embracing responsible eco-tourism as a form of land use that is compatible with their way of life.
While northern Kenya is characterised by magnificent views, it is also ravaged by drought, insecurity and poverty. Consequently, the tourism industry in the region is underdeveloped and underutilised, with investments concentrated in a handful of scattered tourist lodges and camps. After decades of work by NRT, community conservancy leadership, and MashinaniWORKS, the tide has begun to turn.
MashinaniWORKS uses its business expertise, connection to indigenous communities, and position as a skilled, neutral facilitator and advisor to accelerate the growth of tourism in northern Kenya.
Ksh 1.12 billion generated in
Tourism revenue since 2012
4 tourism facilities
17 Tourism Management
trainings conducted
98% increase in annual revenue from tourism
facilities within the MashinaniWORKS scope
47 community members trained in wilderness first aid training
Impact is delivered through:
The Big North Marketing Portal: Development of the Big North website, which provides centralised booking access for all the properties. Other marketing efforts direct guests to tourism organisations and professional tour guides, raising awareness and enhancing their visibility.
Vocational and Business Training: Training community members in skills required to operate a successful tourism business, including hospitality management, housekeeping, and food and beverage service.
Business Advisory for Conservancies: Provide business advice, enabling community conservancies to improve property management and product development, design properties, and optimise marketing strategies.
Community Partnerships: Working with conservancy boards, resort management companies, donor organisations, and government institutions to ensure that individual conservancy efforts are optimised for the benefit of the entire region.