Kenya has embarked on a joint initiative to strengthen the safety and security of tourists through enhanced cooperation with the country’s police forces.

The Ministry of Interior has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism, agreeing to increase support from the National Police Service and thus ensure the safety of domestic and international tourists.

The agreement was signed by Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary of Interior and Administration of National Government, and Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife.

Resources and logistical support needed by the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) will be provided through Kenya’s Tourism Fund.

“The safety and security of our visitors remains a crucial component for this critical sector to thrive,” Miano said.

The TPU’s functions include protection of tourists, handling claims and complaints, investigating tourist-related crimes and active monitoring and patrols.

At the end of September, the TPU announced plans to open a new base in Kisumu County to cover the country’s western tourism circuit.

TPU Commandant Paul Soi said the unit is scaling up community policing efforts in the wake of increases in burglaries, theft and swindling by unregistered tour operators during the current tourist high season.

“We have seen a rise in cases where tourists lose their valuables and money in hotels. In Maasai Mara, we have recorded cases of tents being cut and money stolen from tourists. Through collaboration with the Kenya Defence Forces and tour operators, surveillance has been enhanced across all tourist attraction sites to monitor the movement of visitors and enhance their safety.”

Soi urged hotel managers to keep up-to date records of all tourists, including their places of origin and medical needs, to guarantee their safety.

The ministries believe the enhanced security measures will help Kenya achieve its target of increasing annual foreign tourist arrivals from the current two million to five million by 2027 and to 10 million by 2032.

According to the Kenya Tourism Board, the country welcomed 1.03 million international visitors in the first half of 2024 – a 21.3% increase from the 847 810 in the comparative period of 2023.

A total of Sh142.5 billion (€989.8 million) in tourism revenue was generated during the first half of this year.