By Miraj Guo | May 1, 2026
Former Kenya Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has been appointed Executive Vice-President for Advocacy, Government Affairs and Research at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), marking a major milestone for Kenya and Africa in global tourism leadership.
The appointment, announced on Thursday, will see Balala relocate to the WTTC headquarters in Madrid, Spain, where he will report directly to WTTC President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria Guevara.
In his new position, Balala will spearhead the council’s international advocacy agenda, strengthen relations with governments and lead strategic research aimed at boosting the resilience and growth of the global travel industry.
WTTC praised Balala’s vast experience in both public and private sectors, citing his leadership during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mr Balala brings a wealth of experience and a proven record in navigating the tourism sector through global challenges,” a WTTC spokesperson said.
Balala is Kenya’s longest-serving Tourism Minister, having led the docket for 12 years under three successive administrations. During his tenure, he was credited with modernising Kenya’s tourism branding and marketing strategy, while helping the country become the first recipient of the WTTC Safer Tourism Seal.
Before the latest appointment, Balala served as Vice-President at Fauna & Flora International and Senior Advisor at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change. He also previously chaired the Executive Council of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
Tourism stakeholders described the appointment as a boost for African representation in global tourism policy circles.
“Balala’s move to Madrid signals stronger ties between emerging markets and the global private sector,” said a regional tourism analyst.
A former Mayor of Mombasa and ex-Mvita MP, Balala holds an executive leadership certification from Harvard Kennedy School and has been recognised several times as Africa’s Best Tourism Minister.
His new appointment places a Kenyan leader at the centre of shaping the future of global tourism.
