In Summary
- Does Naomi Campbell deserve the appointment as International brand ambassador for Magical Kenya?
When renowned supermodel Naomi Campbell sashayed down the beaches of Malindi in New Year 2021, her name was being etched in Kenya’s tourism marketing lore.
Now, she has been named tourism brand ambassador by Kenya Tourism Board. “Naomi Campbell will advocate for tourism and travel internationally for the magical Kenyan brand,” said Tourism CS Najib Balala in a statement.
Naomi, is a frequent visitor to Malindi. She was oriented to the white sandy beaches and round-the-clock sunshine by former boyfriend Flavio Briatore. But even before the ink on Balala’s signature had dried, Kenyans began questioning the appointment, -and whether one of the country’s most successful entertainment exports a’la Lupita Nyong’o- was not more deserving.
Skepticism Over Campbell
“How in God’s good earth did we pick Naomi over Lupita Nyong’o?,” posed David Osiany. “Or it is because waziri (CS) is in love with his hey-days star?”
“Truth be told, Naomi Campbell visits Kenya more than Lupita. Lupita loves SA (South Africa) more than Kenya and when here, you’d think she dropped from heaven,” opined blogger Robert Alai.
Naomi is expected to market Kenya as an ideal travel and tourism destination to the world.
