Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has stirred debates after hailing President William Ruto that Nyandarua is comparable only to America’s western Pacific state of California in terms of its development and innovative agricultural practices.
Speaking while accompanying the president to launch the Ol Kalou Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Miano elaborated on the impressive strides the county has made in agriculture, noting that the county’s progress could only be benchmarked against California.
“Mr. President, thank you very much for the progress you have brought to Nyandarua. We are like California in America,” she said.
Miano, who throughout her address continually expressed gratitude to President Ruto for appointing her as a Cabinet Secretary, added that, based on the county’s impressive performance, she envisions Nyandarua as the sole provider of the food consumed across the country.
She explained that for this and many other achievements, she felt deeply indebted to the Head of State for his prioritisation of the county and promised him that the county’s leadership would not falter in their efforts to make it a trailblazer for Kenya.
“As we move forward, we will be the ones to provide more food than anyone else, and we will be the ones managing the food supply for this country. Therefore, we will continue to work hard. Just last week, we were here, and we will continue with the work on tourism,” she said.
Tourism
The Cabinet Secretary also discussed the tourism potential within Nyandarua, confidently asserting that the county ranks at the top in the country within the sector.
She highlighted that Nyandarua is privileged to have a large part of Aberdare National Park located within its borders. Miano also pointed to historical sites, where colonial settlers had left behind their homes, as major attractions that are drawing tourists to the area.
Miano expressed her confidence in Nyandarua’s future, offering credit to President Ruto, emphasising that none of the county’s progress would have been possible without his leadership.
“Honourable President, we welcome you back home, and since you have found time to visit, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me this job. But more than that, I thank you from the depths of my heart because this is where I was born. A large portion of Aberdare National Park lies here, and we have a unique history. The colonial settlers who lived here left behind many historical houses, and for that, we are very grateful,” she remarked.
World Bank role
Further, Miano noted that thanks to her appointment as Tourism Cabinet Secretary, she has been entrusted by the World Bank to serve as a council member for their Advisory Council on Development and Gender.
She praised the role, highlighting the numerous benefits it has brought her, including the opportunity to travel extensively as she negotiates deals to bring tourists to Kenya.
“You have given me a job of international stature, and I now travel to various countries discussing tourism. As of now, the World Bank Group has appointed me as a council member for the Advisory on Development and Gender,” she shared.