The Nairobi County Networking Breakfast held on June 15, 2024, brought together key stakeholders, professionals, and emerging leaders in the tourism industry under one roof. Organized by the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT), this impactful event highlighted the critical role women continue to play in shaping the tourism landscape across Nairobi County and beyond.

Held in the vibrant capital of Nairobi, the event served as a platform for building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and empowering women to take up leadership roles within the industry. With an engaging lineup of speakers, insightful discussions, and a warm atmosphere of collaboration, the breakfast provided not only inspiration but also actionable pathways for professional growth and sectoral development.

A Purposeful Morning of Connection and Empowerment

The Nairobi County Networking Breakfast began with a warm welcome by the KAWT Nairobi Chapter Chairperson, who emphasized the importance of creating safe, supportive, and strategic spaces for women in the tourism sector. The early morning ambiance buzzed with optimism as members from various corners of the county—ranging from hoteliers and tour operators to travel influencers and county officials—settled in for what would become a memorable morning of learning and engagement.

Participants were quick to acknowledge that the networking breakfast came at an opportune time. The tourism sector in Kenya is rapidly evolving, and there’s an increasing need to harness the collective strength of women professionals to drive innovation, inclusion, and sustainable practices.

Theme: “Collaborate to Elevate”

The theme of the 2024 Nairobi County Networking Breakfast was “Collaborate to Elevate”, a reflection of the shared vision within KAWT to foster partnerships that uplift not just individual businesses, but the industry as a whole. The event brought to light the idea that collaboration among women—especially in a competitive sector like tourism—could be a game-changer in achieving both personal and communal success.

Speakers emphasized the importance of building alliances across sectors and creating mentorship opportunities to uplift the next generation of female tourism leaders. By sharing stories of resilience, adaptation, and success, participants encouraged one another to remain proactive in carving out spaces of influence and impact.

Keynote Speakers and Panel Discussions

One of the highlights of the Nairobi County Networking Breakfast was the inspiring keynote address delivered by a respected tourism entrepreneur and advocate for gender equality. She spoke about her journey in the industry, touching on the challenges she faced as a woman in leadership, and how mentorship and strategic networking played key roles in her success.

Her message was clear: empowered women empower others. She encouraged attendees to support one another not only during organized events but also in day-to-day professional interactions, advocating for the mantra that “when one woman rises, we all rise.”

Following the keynote, a dynamic panel discussion featured seasoned professionals from travel agencies, conservation groups, government tourism departments, and hospitality institutions. They discussed:

• The future of tourism in Nairobi County

• The role of technology in enhancing travel experiences

• Marketing strategies for women-led tourism ventures

• Navigating post-pandemic recovery for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

• Access to funding and investment for tourism-related businesses

Audience engagement during the panel was lively, with several participants contributing questions and ideas based on their own experiences, challenges, and aspirations.

Spotlight on Emerging Entrepreneurs

An integral part of the breakfast was the “Emerging Voices” segment, which gave three upcoming women entrepreneurs the chance to share their businesses and receive real-time feedback from the audience. This initiative was met with great enthusiasm, demonstrating the strong appetite for mentorship and growth within the Nairobi County tourism community.

One of the young women presented her eco-conscious travel company that offers immersive cultural experiences in rural Kenya. Another introduced a tech-based app that links domestic tourists to local guides, especially in under-explored parts of Nairobi County. The third shared her vision for an all-women-run safari and camping brand focused on responsible travel.

These presentations showcased the diverse innovations being spearheaded by women and emphasized how supportive platforms like the Nairobi County Networking Breakfast can help bring such visions to life.