Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has embarked on a crackdown on unregulated tour vans that ply along the Narok-Ewaso Nyiro – Sekenani road.
The move comes following an outcry by tourism stakeholders who alleged that many tour vehicles were floating the laid regulations, hence compromising the integrity in the sector.
Kennedy Kaunda, group CEO for East Africa Tour guides association decried increase in untrained and unlicensed tour guides in the tourism sector, who have compromised the professionalism in the industry. `
Kaunda observed that tour guides play an integral role in the Kenyan economy as they are the face of the country and ambassadors to the many tourists who flock the country every year.
He warned tour firms that employ untrained and unlicensed tour guides that they risk heavy penalties as they are a threat to the tourism sector that generates a lot of income in the economy.
“We have been championing professionalism in the sector yet some firms are employing unqualified tour guides. TRA should move to every region and ensure that those breaking the law are properly punished,” he said.
At the same time, Kaunda called on the Ministry of Tourism to sensitize locals on the danger of blocking major highways used by tourists saying the move impacts negatively on the tourism sector.
“When locals block roads, tourists get late for game drives and catching up with flights. This has a big threat to our economy that mainly depends of foreign exchange to grow,” he continued.
Francis Moonga, tour driver lauded the move by TRA to carry out the crackdown and urged his fellow drivers and tour guides to get the relevant documents that will ensure their safety and the safety of their clients.
“This is a good operation, I urge all other drivers who do not have a TRA certificate to go for it for their own safety and the safety of their clients.
The director Incredible Africa Trails Stephen Nderitu supported the crackdown saying his company was robbed 95, 000 dollars recently by conmen who masqueraded as tour drivers.
“The visitors had to pay a double price after they were conned by people pretending to be tour operators in my company,” he said.
Every year, millions of tourists flock the Maasai Mara National Reserve to witness the spectacular wildebeest crossing from Tanzania to Kenya along the Mara River.
Also, the tourists see the rich flora and fauna at the National Reserve as they experience the rich Maasai culture.
This financial year, the Narok county government approximates to generate over Sh 6.5 billion from the reserve as Own Source Revenue (OSR).
By Ann Salaton
