The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has announced the appointment of English supermodel Naomi Campbell to become Magical Kenya International Ambassador. 

The appointment was agreed upon following a meeting between Campbell and Najib Balala, the Cabinet Secretary of the ministry.

“We welcome the exciting news that Naomi Campbell will advocate for tourism and travel internationally for the magical Kenya brand,” Balala said in the statement.

Commenting on her appointment, Campbell commended the government for the improvement of infrastructure at the Coast including the upgrading of Malindi Airport to international standards.

“I am also impressed with the world-class standard facilities at the Professional Golf Association (PGA) Baobab course located in Vipingo Ridge, the only golf course credited by the PGA in the whole of Africa. I invite gold professionals globally to visit the course to enjoy the experience,” she said.

Naomi Campbell has been a frequent visitor of Kenya especially Malindi during December holidays, spending her time at the exclusive Lion in the Sun resort owned by her ex-boyfriend and billionaire Flavio Briatore. The superstar also usually visits the Children of the Rising Sun, an orphanage she is supporting in Malindi.

The news of her appointment has however not gone down well with some Kenyans who questioned why the ministry could not appoint a Kenyan for the position.

The concerns from Kenyans forced Tourism cabinet secretary Najib Balala to explain the decision.

In a tweet Balala said Ms Campbell’s appointment to promote Kenyan tourism abroad is meant to strengthen the domestic market and not take away anything from it.

“Naomi Campbell will be Magical Kenya’s International Tourism Ambassador. That doesn’t take away from our domestic market, it only strengthens it. #MagicalKenya,” reads the tweet.