Kenya’s cruise tourism is gaining remarkable momentum, with the Port of Mombasa welcoming its fifth cruise vessel since the onset of the cruise tourism circuit in November.
The steady influx of cruise vessels is undoubtedly a significant boost to Kenya’s ambitious target of attracting five million international tourists by 2027, underscoring renewed confidence in the country’s security, stability, and rich tourism offerings.
The latest vessel at the quayside of the Port of Mombasa is the 27-year-old MV Azamara Onwards, sailing under the Marshall Islands flag.
The ship arrived from Port Victoria in Seychelles and is scheduled to stay in the country for two days before proceeding to Zanzibar. It carries 630 passengers and 389 crew members, including four Kenyans.
Speaking during the vessel’s reception, National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs and Migrant Workers Vice Chairperson Simon Kingara described the increasing number of cruise vessels as a strong testament to Kenya’s peace and security.
He noted that Kenya’s breathtaking scenery, abundant wildlife, and historic cities make it a preferred destination for global travellers.
“Close to 90 per cent of the passengers are retirees who seek tranquility. We thank God that they have chosen Kenya as a conducive destination where they can relax and explore Africa. After here, they will proceed to Zanzibar,” said Kingara.
He added that despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East disrupting global trade, Kenya remains safe and open to tourists.
The MPs commended the Ministries of Tourism and Internal Security for enhancing safety both inland and at sea, noting that such vessels would not dock in the country without assured security.
They also expressed pride in the presence of four Kenyan crew members aboard the vessel.
Kingara further emphasised that Kenya is well-prepared to handle cruise tourism, highlighting that the Port of Mombasa will be complemented by the Port of Lamu.
The Lamu Port is envisioned to have 23 berths, with three already completed, featuring a draft of 17.5 meters and a 500-meter turning bay.
Security at the Port of Lamu has also been strengthened with 24-hour Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance, guarded by elite security forces and supported by a police station within the port precincts.
“I urge more tourists to visit Kenya because we now have both the Port of Lamu and the Port of Mombasa. Since the beginning of the year, this is the fifth cruise vessel, and more are expected before the end of May,” stated Kingara.
Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo affirmed that plans are underway to issue Seafarers Identification Documents (SID), which will unlock employment opportunities for Kenyan seafarers. The SID is a crucial travel document that facilitates entry, transit, transfer, and repatriation of seafarers across international waters.
Obo also encouraged young people to enrol at Bandari Maritime Academy to pursue maritime studies, pointing out the vast employment opportunities in the shipping sector.
“Our youth should not wait to be spoon-fed by leaders. Bandari Maritime Academy is available, and many have already benefited. It is essential to obtain Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW), which serves as a license to work on vessels,” she said.
She further revealed that the committee is advocating for the registration of more vessels locally to ensure Kenyan youth are prioritised in employment opportunities.
Mombasa Woman Representative Zamzam Mohamed urged the Ministries of Tourism and Internal Security to intensify efforts to improve tourist attraction sites and maintain high security standards to sustain Kenya’s competitive edge.
“If we continue improving security, Kenya will continue to reap the benefits of tourism,” she said, while also praising the vessel company for employing Kenyan crew members.
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko also emphasised the need to increase the number of tourist attraction sites and review policies to allow cruise vessels longer stays, while addressing the issue of double charges imposed on tourists.
“When visitors dock here and go out to sites such as Fort Jesus, they are required to pay fees multiple times. We need policy reforms to ensure a tourist pays once,” she said.
She noted that such reforms would encourage tourists to explore more destinations within the country and increase their spending.
Hashim Ahmed, the vessel agent, lauded the government for creating an enabling environment for cruise tourism, including the establishment of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal, the only one of its kind in East Africa.
However, he urged the government to position Kenya as a port-of-call hub, allowing tourists to begin and end their journeys in the country, thereby maximising tourism revenues.
By Sadik Hassan
