Kenya Celebrates Thomas Ouko’s Impact on Tourism with Lifetime Achievement Award, Get the Details Here

Published on December 14, 2025

In what was perhaps one of the most prestigous causes for Western Kenya’s catalyzing influence on the national tourism map to be taken seriously, Thomas Ouko, from Kisumu, has been feted with Kenya’s highest tourism accolade: the National Tourism Lifetime Achiever Award at the Kenya Tourism Excellence Awards 2025. The top ceremony took place at KICC in Nairobi; the event, organized by the Tourism Regulatory Authority, was attended by notable figures including Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, legislators, diplomats, and leaders in the tourism sector.

What Ouko has achieved indicates not only personal commitment to the tourism industry but also underscores the growing importance of Kisumu County as a vibrant tourism destination. His prize thus celebrates over two decades of commitment to shaping Kenya’s tourism policy, sustainability agenda, and regional development, further establishing Kisumu as key in Kenya’s tourism renaissance.

A Distinguished Career Shaping Kenya’s Tourism Landscape

Thomas Ouko has been a central figure in Kenya’s tourism sector for over 20 years. Currently serving in the Kisumu County Government’s Directorate of Tourism, Ouko’s work has been pivotal in positioning the region as a competitive, inclusive, and investment-ready tourism destination. His influence extends beyond local government roles to national and continental platforms, where his expertise has shaped the discourse around Kenya’s tourism development.

His career includes significant roles such as the Acting Director of Tourism and Industry, Chief Officer for Tourism, Sports, Culture, and Arts, and National Coordinator of the 47 County Tourism Directors. Through these roles, Ouko has helped foster inter-county collaboration, promoting regional tourism circuits and ensuring that diverse areas across Kenya can showcase their unique cultural and natural offerings. His efforts have played a key role in elevating Western Kenya as a prime destination for cultural, eco-tourism, and sports tourism.

Kisumu’s Emergence as a Tourism Frontier

For Kisumu County, Ouko’s recognition carries immense symbolic weight, affirming the city’s rise as a major tourism hub. Kisumu, historically known as a quiet lakeside city, is fast becoming a vibrant tourism frontier. It now stands at the forefront of Western Kenya’s tourism renaissance, offering a range of experiences from cultural heritage and sports tourism to eco-tourism.

Under Ouko’s guidance, Kisumu has embraced a multi-faceted approach to tourism, blending cultural identity, community empowerment, and sustainable development. His work has also enhanced the city’s status as a gateway to Lake Victoria, where visitors can experience not only the stunning natural beauty of the lake but also the rich local heritage of the Luo community. This strategic focus has made Kisumu a must-visit location for tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Advancing Sustainable Tourism and Community Empowerment

Beyond his government roles, Ouko has been a staunch advocate for community-based tourism and heritage conservation. His work with organizations such as KECOBAT (Kenya Community-Based Tourism Network), UCOTA (Uganda Community Tourism Association), UNESCO, UN-Habitat, and the FK-Norway Programme has helped shift the tourism narrative towards community-led initiatives that empower local populations and promote cultural preservation.

These partnerships have created avenues for sustainable tourism practices that directly benefit local communities. Ouko has demonstrated how tourism can serve as a tool for economic empowerment by encouraging local businesses, guiding services, and craft markets. His work has been pivotal in ensuring that tourism development is not just about attracting international tourists but also about fostering a tourism economy that benefits local residents.

In recognition of his leadership, innovation, and enduring contribution to sustainable tourism, the TRA has hailed Ouko as one of Kenya’s most respected tourism figures. His mentorship and commitment to tourism education and industry growth continue to inspire a new generation of tourism professionals.

Ouko’s Reflection on His Career and the Future of Tourism in Kenya

In accepting his award, Ouko expressed his gratitude and pride, acknowledging that the recognition was not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the collective efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly to elevate Kenya’s tourism industry. “This honour represents not just my personal journey but the collective spirit of all those who have worked tirelessly to elevate Kenya’s tourism. Our greatness lies not only in our destinations, but in the people who champion them,” Ouko remarked.

Ouko’s humility reflects the deeply collaborative nature of Kenya’s tourism sector, where public and private sector players, local communities, and regional leaders work together to create a tourism environment that is both inclusive and sustainable. His success story is an inspiration for many in the industry, particularly those in regions that are still emerging on the tourism map.

The Impact of Ouko’s Award on Kisumu and Western Kenya’s Tourism Future

Ouko’s national recognition further solidifies Kisumu’s standing as the tourism nerve centre of Western Kenya. The city is increasingly seen as a hub of innovation, where tourism policy, cultural identity, and community development intersect to create unique experiences for both local and international tourists. Kisumu is fast becoming a destination where travelers can enjoy the best of eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism—all within close proximity to one another.

As Kenya continues to enhance its tourism offerings, Kisumu is expected to play a central role in diversifying the country’s tourism product. The region is already capitalizing on its strategic location by promoting itself as a gateway to the Lake Victoria basin, a rich hub for biodiversity, adventure sports, and community-driven tourism experiences.

With figures like Ouko at the helm, Western Kenya is poised to attract even more attention from international travelers and investors, further contributing to the region’s economic and social development.

The Kenya Tourism Excellence Awards: Recognizing Innovation and Sustainability

The Tourism Excellence Awards Kenya Scheme, launched this year, aims to recognize outstanding contributions to tourism that align with UNWTO standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The awards honor individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the tourism sector, and Ouko’s Lifetime Achievement Award serves as a powerful example of these values in action.

As Kenya continues to prioritize sustainable tourism, the award also serves as a reminder that the country’s tourism growth must be achieved in a way that benefits both tourists and local communities, creating lasting, positive impacts for generations to come.

A Milestone for Kisumu and Kenya’s Tourism Future

The recognition of Thomas Ouko with the National Tourism Lifetime Achiever Award is quite a momentous occasion, not only for Kisumu County but also for the wider tourism landscape of Kenya. Through his leadership, commitment to sustainability, and advocacy for community-based tourism, he has opened ways for an inclusive, diversified, and sustainable tourism model in Kenya. His work highlights the crucial role of local leadership in transforming a destination into a global tourism player.

As Kisumu and the wider region of Western Kenya continue to develop as major tourism hubs, Ouko’s legacy can only be expected to further shape the industry’s future, inspiring a new crop of leaders in the industry while going a long way in improving Kenya’s standing as a global tourism destination of choice.