Kenya’s Tourism and Wildlife Ministry has called on visitors to continue with their travel plans to the country during the July to September high season, asserting that the tourism sector has been unaffected by recent public protests.

The ministry’s Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua led a high-profile meeting with key industry stakeholders at the start of the month to assess the current tourism landscape and the effects of protests to the 2024/25 Finance Bill. Following the protests, the controversial bill was revoked by President William Ruto at the end of June.  

At the meeting, representatives from the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers, Kenya Tourism Federation, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Wildlife Service, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and the Tourism Fund collectively stressed that tourism thrives on a sense of security and predictability.

“Kenya competes globally for tourists, and their choice to visit depends significantly on how we present and market ourselves. Image is crucial if we are to maximise our amazing products,” said Mutua.

Mutua called on all visitors, both local and international, to continue with their travel plans to Kenya, promising the usual high standards of hospitality.

He assured that there had been no major booking cancellations despite the protests, with accommodation in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru and Tsavo national parks fully booked.

“While there have been a few postponements of bookings, mainly for events, new bookings are also coming in. Our upward trend has slowed slightly, but the sector remains stable, and Kenya is ready for the ongoing high season,” he said.

Mutua said that government had also ensured the stability of the tourism sector in Mombasa and Diani, noting that flights to these destinations were experiencing high demand, with charter flights also operating normally.

He stressed that the country was seeking to further accelerate the remarkable growth of the sector.

“Tourism contributed about KSh353 billion (€2.5bn) to the Kenyan economy last year and has been on an upward trend. We aim to see this sector grow significantly, targeting Ksh 700bn (€5bn) per year in the next few years,” said Mutua.

Visitors to Kenya grew to two million in 2023, reaching pre-pandemic levels, with the country projecting three million visitors this year.

“This increase in numbers translates to more revenue for the country and numerous new job opportunities, especially for the youth,” noted Mutua.