After appointing supermodel Naomi Campbell as Magical Kenya’s international ambassador, Tourism CS Najib Balala has defended her by saying Lupita was not available for a long time. The appointment is set to market Kenya through the model’s international networks.
Balala said this as he faulted people who have castigated the ministry for failing to appoint a Kenyan in the position. He also said the ministry makes the appointments while targeting specific markets.
“We can have one of our own, and we already have Eliud Kipchoge. We are targeting specific markets and sectors, so we will identify brand ambassadors because of that.
He also added that they used Eliud Kipchoge to market the country because of his International networks.
”We use Kipchoge to market Kenya because of his vast international networks.”
On the question of the suitability of multiple award-winning Kenyan Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o for the role, Balala said his ministry had unsuccessfully tried to get in touch with Ms Nyong’o for five years now.
“I know everybody is asking why not Lupita. Lupita has commitments and her managers cannot allow us to access her. We’ve spent the last five years looking for Lupita,” Mr Balala said.
Five years is a very long period to wait and appoint someone for the job. I think this was the right decision by Balala.