Kenya Tourism Board’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Ms Wausi Walya, has been listed as one of the winners of the African Travel 100 Global Leaders Award for her remarkable achievement towards the growth of the tourism sector in Africa.
Wausi is Strategic thought leader with over 12 years in Destination Marketing and positioning. She has worked in various sectors of government locally and internationally through exposure to special work assignments, select government projects, training, and job placement. She has rich experience leveraging on destination reputation management, partnerships, has excelled in c- suite counsel, crisis, stakeholder and media management.
Recently Wausi led Kenya to a winning bid for Chair of the UN Tourism Committee on Tourism Competitiveness (CTC -2023 – 2027) , a seat also contested by two other member states. She has represented Kenya in various Meetings of the UN Tourism Executive Council and at the committees of Programs and Budgets and that of Tourism Sustainability.
She has worked closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in delivering various programs including conferences to the destination including WTO MC 10, UNCTAD, TICAD and more recently the German Citizens’ Festival.
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She been in the sector for over 15 years and has demonstrable results in helping organizations including the Kenya Tourism Board and Kenya Wildlife Service refresh and build their brands, resulting in sustained business growth and success. She has played a lead role in the activation of international sporting events including the World Rally Championship, The Magical Kenya Open, the Olympics, select Abbot Marathons and the Olympics in enhancing Kenya’s country brand and destination exposure.
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She has experience in various key sectors – tourism, wildlife conservation and banking. As a critical player working directly with Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and various CEOs and marketing teams, Wausi has led in shaping destinations narratives to anchor Kenya’s country brand as part of supporting key economic activities like sports and tourism.
Overall, Wausi is an enthusiastic Communications professional and brand strategist with interest in shaping the narratives that define business success. She is currently serving as the Deputy Director, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications at the Kenya Tourism Board.
Wausi has a combination of educational qualifications in various fields in social sciences including International Relations, Linguistics, Education and Public Relations.
She is a PhD candidate at the United States International University – Africa (USIU – Africa) enrolled in International Relations with research interests in Foreign Policy, sustainable development, Climate change, tourism, politics and democratization and Regional Integration, among others. She is also part – time adjunct at the Strathmore School of Tourism and Hospitality.
Wausi’s interests and passion include family and parenting, girl child education, sustainable practices, travelling and leisure golf. She currently serves as a volunteer Chairperson of the Precious Blood School – Kilungu Alumni.
