Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage, has appointed John Chirchir as its acting Chief Executive Officer. Chirchir replaces the outgoing CEO Betty Radier who has completed serving her full term of six years at the helm of the marketing agency of the east African nation. While announcing the changes, KTB chairperson Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert termed Radier’s tenure a successful one having seen through a strong destination brand with global recognition.

“Her six years in office has helped positively profile the destination globally and I strongly belief that the incoming acting CEO will build on this to take the destination to the next level,” said Mwangi-Yelbert.

Radier, who has led KTB since  the year 2016, lauded the industry for resilience, innovative and proactive measures to minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic that had threatened to erode gains in the tourism business. In the period, she has overseen key programs including the evaluation and listing of the Magical Kenya Signature Experience (MKSE), leveraging partnerships as well upscaling the use of digital marketing.

“I am happy that that the strategies we have put in place together with the ministry of tourism and the private sector to grow tourism numbers is yielding fruits with increase in number of domestic bed nights’ occupancy and international arrivals, we particularly applaud the domestic market for their support” said Radier.

Chirchir, who has been serving as the Digital Marketing Manager, has extensive knowledge on destination marketing spanning for over 20 years and has championed marketing programes in Kenya’s tourist key source markets of Europe, Emerging, Africa and the US.

According to a press statement, Chirchir holds a Masters Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, Bachelor of Commerce in marketing and post graduate Diploma in digital marketing. He has been key in KTB’s navigation of the board’s digital programmes accelerated by the pandemic. He has been recognised for his service in the public sector and awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC), usually given to outstanding Kenyans who selflessly render their services to the country.