Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano is under fire from Kenyans on social media after sharing photos of herself participating in a tranquil yoga session during a wellness retreat. The images, which were intended to promote Kenya as a destination for spiritual and wellness tourism, have drawn sharp criticism for what many see as poor timing amid growing concerns over the country’s struggling tourism sector.

The post has since gone viral, sparking outrage from both citizens and industry stakeholders. Critics accuse Miano of being out of touch with the realities facing local and international tourists, who have recently voiced frustrations over deteriorating service standards, inadequate infrastructure, and poor customer care across key tourism sites.

“It’s ironic that the CS is enjoying yoga and sunshine while tourists are being stranded in parks, overcharged, or ignored by service providers,” one user on X (formerly Twitter) commented. Many others echoed similar sentiments, accusing the Ministry of prioritizing optics over action.

Industry players, including tour operators, have expressed disappointment, arguing that the Ministry’s focus should be on implementing meaningful reforms and addressing systemic issues—particularly with the high tourist season fast approaching.

The controversy follows a series of viral video complaints from American and European tourists highlighting delayed transportation, lack of guides at national parks, and accommodations that failed to meet advertised standards. Some visitors even suggested they would not return to Kenya unless major improvements were made.

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As the sector continues its uphill battle to recover from the combined impacts of global economic uncertainty and climate-related challenges, calls are intensifying for Miano to shift focus from public relations gestures to addressing the structural issues affecting Kenya’s tourism appeal.

As of press time, neither CS Miano nor the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has issued a response to the criticism.