David G. Gitonga holds a master’s degree in Tourism Management, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and a Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship. He has over 25 years of experience in the tourism public sector. Prior to joining Tourism Research Institute (TRI), he served in the Ministry of Tourism taking leadership in the areas of policy and strategic planning, sector regulation and innovation. He is particularly credited for his role in delivering the National Tourism Blueprint 2030 where he was the National Co-ordinator. The Blueprint offers an overarching strategic focus for the development of Kenya’s tourism and enhancing its contribution to the economy.
At TRI, Gitonga has been leading the process of setting up the operational structures and the strategies for the Institute to deliver on its mandate from infancy. This work started by developing a Strategic Plan that gave clarity of vision and focus to the Board and staff. This enabled the Institute to adopt innovative ways of data management and research as well as for dissemination of findings. The Institute has thus taken its place as the principal source of research information and data for Kenya’s tourism sector advising both the Government and private sector on areas of improvement for destination Kenya’s competitiveness.
Under his leadership, the Institute has forged global collaborations that have benefited the entire Kenya tourism sector. His services have been extended beyond Kenya’s borders and he has been invited as a resource person to support tourism research and statistics programs across the continent. This has so far taken him to Namibia, Zanzibar, Seychelles, Ethiopia and Djibouti and he has had other virtual engagements on the same. These missions help reinforce Kenya’s position as a leader in tourism within the continent and support the government’s policy of economic diplomacy.
