Concerns Among Naivasha Hoteliers Over Ongoing Protests

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Hoteliers in Naivasha are increasingly worried that the ongoing violent demonstrations could severely impact the tourism sector, which is still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. They report a rise in booking cancellations, raising concerns about potential job losses within the industry.
This issue came to light as Kentwood Cabins and Camps, a prominent hotel on the shores of Lake Naivasha, welcomed a group of tourists from Denmark. The hotel’s marketing manager, Job Gatheru, noted that the sector had been thriving over the past two years, with a steady increase in both local and international visitors.
However, he highlighted that the violent protests pose a significant threat, with some tourists beginning to reconsider their travel plans to Kenya. “Visitor numbers have been increasing, but we fear that the demonstrations could undermine the progress we’ve made,” he stated.
Gatheru emphasized the hotel’s efforts to blend hospitality with nature, which has attracted more guests. While some cancellations have already occurred due to the unrest, he remains hopeful that the situation will improve before the festive season.
John Mwangi, a hotel worker, expressed concern that a continued rise in cancellations could lead to dire consequences for hundreds of employees reliant on the tourism industry. “The demonstrations have impacted us, and we hope they will end soon, as canceled bookings directly translate to job losses,” he explained.
Visitor Wanda Ortmann shared her positive experience, stating that despite the protests affecting operations in some areas, she is enjoying her time in Kenya. “This is my first trip to Africa, and I’m learning about the reasons behind the protests,” she noted.
Another tourist, Sebastian Baptiste, described his visit as memorable and expressed a desire to return to Kenya in the future.