Tourism stakeholders have told off politicians over remarks that could harm Kenya’s attractiveness for visitors and investors in the sector.
This follows remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi
Gachagua on Sunday urging tourists and foreign investors to postpone travel and
investment in Kenya, saying was unsafe due to “rising cases of insecurity”.
Led by Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, government
and industry players termed the remarks “unfortunate and irresponsible”, cautioning they undermine years of sustained effort to position Kenya as a premier global destination.
“These remarks are unfortunate and irresponsible,” Bitok said in a statement, “They undermine the concerted efforts by the government and stakeholders across the tourism value chain.”
Bitok said that tourism contributes nearly ten per cent of
Kenya’s GDP and generated approximately Sh1.7 trillion for the economy last
year while supporting nearly two million jobs directly and indirectly.
“Any action or statement that unnecessarily erodes confidence
in Kenya as a safe and attractive destination places these livelihoods and
economic gains at risk,” the PS said.
Bitok further stressed that Kenya is firmly on course to
achieve five million international arrivals by 2028, having welcomed
approximately 2.7 million visitors last year.
“Tourism should remain
insulated from political contestation and the turbulence of political
seasons,” he said.
The Kenya Tourism Federation chairman Fred Odek told politicians that the tourism industry is not like a tap that can be tuned on and off at convenience.
“Tourism is not a tap that can be switched off today and
turned back on at will,” Odek said, “Once confidence is damaged,
rebuilding it can take years, sometimes longer regardless of how quickly
political circumstances change.”
Odek noted that tourists visiting Kenya are not participants in
domestic political rivalries but rather come to experience Kenya’s
wildlife, beaches, culture, hospitality, conferences, and sporting events.
“Our country’s reputation belongs to all Kenyans and has been
built through decades of investment, sacrifice and hard work. As the saying
goes, one does not cut off their nose to spite their face,” Odek noted.
The federation reminded political leaders that the economic
fallout from lost tourism confidence falls on hundreds of thousands of Kenyans
who depend directly and indirectly on tourism.
These include hotel employees, tour
guides, drivers, artisans, farmers, entertainers, beach operators, airlines,
travel agents and countless small businesses.
From the Coast, Kenya Coast Tourist Association has described the remarks as reckless and potentially damaging.
“Tourism is
not a political tool. It is a lifeline for millions of Kenyans,” KCTA
said, adding that any cancelled booking directly affects workers whose
livelihoods depend on a thriving visitor economy.
The Lake Victoria Tourism Association Kenya (LVTA), speaking for
the Western Kenya Tourism Circuit, warned that the ripple effects of negative
travel commentary reach deep into the region’s fishing, hospitality, and
conservation economies.
“Every cancelled booking, postponed conference, or deferred
safari directly affects ordinary Kenyans whose livelihoods depend on a vibrant
visitor economy. Kenya’s reputation has been built through decades of sustained
investment and should never be undermined by political rhetoric,” LVTA said.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all visitors
enjoy a safe, secure, and memorable experience in Kenya, and called on tourists
and investors to continue choosing the country with confidence for leisure,
business, investment, and adventure.
