Kenya's tourism minister, Najib Balala has won the 2009 African Tourism Minister of the Year award, according to African Manager.

Balala received the award during the African Tourism Investors Summit and Gala on Saturday in Maputo, Mozambique.

The event was organised by the International Pan African Investment Group and African Investment, in partnership with the government of Mozambique, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the International Finance Corporation and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

Balala was recognised for his efforts in driving Kenya's tourism recovery programme during 2008 and raising the country's profile as a leader in sustainable tourism.

Kenya's tourism sector received a massive blow during 2008 because of post-election violence early in the year which left 1 300 people dead and 350 000 displaced.

The summit and awards are designed to raise awareness of Africa as a tourism destination and aim to reward those who play a leading role in developing the continent's tourism industry.