The Ministry of Tourism came under criticism from a section of Kenyans on Tuesday, January 11, after announcing the appointment of British model Naomi Campbell as Magical Kenya International Tourism ambassador.
In the topic that trended for the better part of Tuesday morning, number of netizens expressed their disappointment at the choice, saying that there are a number of Kenyans who would have clinched the position.
"Lupita Nyong'o would have made a better Magical Kenya International Ambassador compared to Naomi Campbell. Well, It's just what I think," political analyst Bravin Yuri stated.
"Surely! There are many of us who truly love this country, understand this country, born and raised in Kenya! Couldn’t we have chosen a Kenyan fit for this job?" Council member at Media Council of Kenya (MCK) Patience Nyange questioned.
Some Kenyans, however, appreciated and congratulated the Ministry of Tourism for the appointment.
"Kenya should have made Naomi an ambassador for the international stage a long time ago. She resonates very well with that target audience and she has been experiencing the country for years now and so not sure why they waited this long," journalist Oliver Mathenge stated.
"Fantastic move to restore interest in tourism . Let us have more international celebrities support Kebya abs lets name an elephant matriarch after her," renowned conservationist Dr. Paula Kahumbu stated.
On his part, Tourism CS Najib Balala indicated that Campbell's appointment only strengthened the Kenyan domestic market.
"That doesn't take away from our domestic market, it only strengthens it," Balala stated.
The model's new role will include helping promote and market Kenya as an ideal tourism and travel destination.
During her trip to Kenya the past weekend, the 50-year-old model praised the country's improvement of infrastructure at the Coast including the upgrading of Malindi Airport to International standards adding that this would boost tourism in the region.
She was reported to reside at the Billionaire Resort, a luxurious complex owned by her ex, Italian businessman and former Formula One team executive, Flavio Briatore.
