Former tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has landed a top position at a global wildlife conservation charity becoming the first Kenyan to hold such a prominent position at the global organization.

President Ruto slammed him by appointing Peninah Malonza despite Najib Balala expressing his interest to continue working as the cabinet secretary for tourism and wildlife.

The UK Based organization Fauna &Flora International (FFI)has appointed Najib Balala as its new Vice President.

The FFI is the world’s oldest international conservation organization. The organization’s headquarters are based in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

“On behalf of all of the team at FFI, I am delighted to welcome Honourable Najib Balala as vice-president-he will be a wonderful global ambassador for FFI.Hon.Balala has been incredibly influential in the wildlife and tourism sectors in Kenya and across Africa and we are very privileged to be able to benefit from this wealth of knowledge and experience,” said FFI CEO while announcing his appointment.

Najib Balala has served in the tourism docket for fifteen years.

FFI is affiliated with the UK Royal Family with Prince William as its current patron.

In his stint as tourism cabinet secretary, he oversaw the development launch and implementation of the National Wildlife Strategy 2030. He also launched and implemented the Wildlife Policy 2021.

Previous positions Najib Balala has held include serving as mayor of Mombasa, Mvita member of parliament, minister for Gender Sports Culture and Social Services, and cabinet secretary for mining before finally serving as cabinet secretary for tourism.

Before joining politics he was the chairman of the coast Tourist Association and Secretary of the Swahili cultural center.

He also chairs the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO)commission for Africa and was voted Best Tourism Minister in Africa by Africa Investor.

Balala steered the Covid-19 recovery funding from Government for community Conservancies and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Najib Balala is also an astute businessman.