Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano
By John Kariuki
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, brought a touch of warmth and elegance to the “Taste of France” dinner experience held in Nairobi, celebrating the rich tapestry of French cuisine and its cultural influence in the global hospitality landscape.
Hosted by the French Embassy in Nairobi, the event served up more than gourmet dishes — it offered a platform for cultural exchange, creativity, and celebration of culinary excellence. Quoting the renowned author Maya Angelou, CS Miano remarked, “I am just someone who likes cooking and for whom sharing food is a form of expression,” highlighting the powerful role food plays in connecting people and expressing identity.
Lauding the initiative, Miano noted that French cuisine represents more than food — it reflects a philosophy of hospitality that embraces diversity, heritage, and innovation. She emphasized the importance of such events in enriching Kenya’s own culinary scene and elevating standards within the local tourism and hospitality sector.
In her address, CS Miano reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting institutions that are nurturing the next generation of hospitality professionals. She singled out the Kenya Utalii College, International Hotel and Tourism Institute, Boma International Hospitality College, and PCEA Kinyanjui Training Institute as key partners in advancing excellence in hospitality education.
By blending local talent with international exposure, Miano observed that Kenya is well-positioned to become a continental hub for culinary arts, hospitality innovation, and tourism excellence. The CS expressed confidence that with continued collaboration between government, international partners, and the private sector, the country’s tourism and hospitality sector can achieve transformative growth.
The “Taste of France” experience not only showcased world-class culinary artistry but also opened doors for strategic conversations on training, partnerships, and cross-cultural understanding — all of which are essential to driving Kenya’s tourism competitiveness.
As the evening ended on a high note, CS Miano’s presence and passion underscored a broader vision — one where hospitality is not just an industry, but a celebration of identity, skill, and shared human experience.