Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has appointed English model, actress and businesswoman Naomi Campbell as the Magical Kenya’s International Tourism Ambassador, a role that will see her help promote Kenya as an ideal tourism and travel destination to the world.

“We welcome the exciting news that Naomi Campbell will advocate for tourism and travel internationally for the magical Kenya Brand,” a press release from the Ministry of Tourism read in part.

Naomi Campbell on her part commended the government for the improved infrastructure at the Kenyan Coast, including the upgrade of the Malindi Airport to International Standards, saying it will go along way in boosting tourism in the region.

The news on Campbell’s appointment as Magical Kenya’s International Tourism Ambassador was however received with mixed reactions by Kenyans who took to Twitter to air their opinions.

One function wondered why the job had to be given to a foreigner when Lupita could have been an option while the other defended Campbell, saying she has been more in touch with Kenya compared to Lupita and that they both appeal to different audiences.

Cs Balala also added his voice in the social media debate and defended Naomi Campbell’s appointment.

“Naomi Campbell will be Magical Kenya’s International Tourism Ambassador. That doesn’t take away from our domestic market, it only strengthens it,” Balala said in a tweet.