The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife is on course to double international tourist arrivals in the country from the recent high of 2.4 million to 5 million visitors annually by 2027.
The sector, which welcomed approximately 2.4 million tourists last year, generated Sh 452 billion, with a bed night occupancy of 5.1 million, a significant increase from the Sh 377 billion recorded in 2023.
According to the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, the industry has experienced a major rebound, with millions of tourists expected during this year’s festive season.
To achieve the 5 million targets, Miano confirmed that the government has embarked on a visa openness policy, facilitating entry through the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and allowing visa-free entry for African nationals.
Miano said the move will be supported with the licensing of more international airlines and an aggressive marketing campaign both domestically and internationally.
The CS noted that the diversification of tourism activities will herald a new phase towards sustainable growth in the sector that supports thousands of employment opportunities for Kenyans.
The government is committed to modernising existing infrastructure for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) to attract high-value business tourism.
Speaking in Naivasha during the launch of the Morendat School of Hospitality, Miano said that a thriving tourism sector must be supported by a robust hospitality industry and a skilled workforce offering world-class services.
She commended Kenya for its swift adoption of modern technology in the sector after the country was ranked fourth on the continent in the recent United Nations forum for tourism held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
In addition, Miano said the Ministry has established a Training Revolving Fund, which will offer affordable loans to students undertaking tourism and hospitality courses to enhance existing human capital.
Ms Miano reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the ‘Magical Kenya’ brand and has embarked on showcasing the sector’s attractive hotspots ahead of the tourism-themed Jamhuri Day celebrations.
On his part, Opiyo Wandayi, the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, stated that the tourism sector has been a major foreign-exchange earner for the country, supporting the country’s economy for decades.
Wandayi noted that the significant growth in the sector calls for a paradigm shift in training to ensure graduates meet world-class professional standards and services.
He welcomed the new partnership between the Morendat Institute and BOMA International College, noting that it will deliver innovative solutions, enhance productivity, and create job opportunities for young people.
Joe Sang’, the Managing Director for Kenya Pipeline, said the school will offer a robust curriculum to build a skilled workforce towards a sustainable tourism and hospitality industry.
Joash Olum, Chair of the BOMA Group of Hotels, emphasised that a skilled workforce with high standards and world-class training must support the growth of the sector in the country and around Naivasha as a key tourism destination.
By Erastus Gichohi
