On May 20, 2024, the Mombasa Tourism Innovation Lab, an initiative by GDI and Swahilipot Hub, hosted a graduation ceremony for tourism innovators from the County. These innovators had completed a two-month training and mentorship program in collaboration with Murang’a University of Technology. The event's distinguished Chief Guest was Dr Sam Ikwaye, Chairman of the Mombasa Tourism Council. Mr Mohamed Osman, CEC of Trade, Tourism, and Culture, and Chief Officer Mr Swaleh also attended the ceremony. Key stakeholders were also present, including representatives from the Tourism Fund, Kenya Coast Tourism Association, and Kenya Tourism Board.
"We will continue to showcase the initiatives that are reshaping the tourism industry," declared Mr Peter Kibe, the Hospitality and Tourism Pathway lead at Swahilipot Hub.
Mr. Mohamed Osman, the Chief Executive Officer for Trade, Tourism, and Culture, extended his congratulations to the graduates for their authentic and innovative offerings. He emphasized the objective of the recently formed Mombasa Tourism Council, aiming to establish Mombasa as a leading innovation hub in Africa. "Our primary goal is to restore Mombasa to its former glory," he affirmed.
The Mombasa Tourism Innovation Lab is a Lot 1 grantee under the Tourism and Cultural Heritage component of the Go Blue project, receiving grants from Camões IP to support their initiatives. We are proud of their achievements and efforts in establishing Mombasa as a premier innovation hub in Africa.