Impact of Ongoing Protests on Kenya’s Tourism Sector

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Continued anti-government protests across the country pose a significant threat to tourism earnings, with potential job losses in the sector, warns Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.
The Meetings, Incentives, Travel, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment has already felt the impact, as several major events have been postponed. Notable cancellations include the Intergovernmental Standing Committee on Shipping (ISCOS) Assembly of Ministers, the Ushirika Day Celebration, and the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI) Alumni Trade Fair and Expo, all originally scheduled to take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
While requests for cancellations from the international market have been limited, they nonetheless affect the leisure segment. “We are fortunate not to have seen major cancellations yet. However, prolonged unrest could hurt the sector, leading to reduced earnings, potential job losses, and stalled opportunities,” Mutua stated.
This situation jeopardizes the country’s growth objectives and the target of 2.2 million international arrivals for the current financial year, with projected earnings of Sh359.1 billion, an increase from Sh352.5 billion last year. The Tourism Research Institute (TRI) reported an increase in international arrivals to 1.96 million, up from 1.48 million visitors in 2022, with further growth anticipated to Sh396.1 billion next year.
Kenya aims for 5.5 million international arrivals by 2028, relying heavily on private sector involvement in marketing efforts. The record year for tourism was 2019, with arrivals reaching 2.04 million visitors.
Despite the challenges, Mutua noted a mix of postponed and new bookings, emphasizing the sector’s overall stability and readiness for the ongoing high season. He highlighted that tourism is a leisure industry reliant on a sense of security and predictability. “Kenya competes with many nations for tourism, and our appeal depends on how we market ourselves. Our image is crucial for maximizing our tourism potential,” he remarked.
The tourism and wildlife sector remains one of the largest employers in the country, with 80 percent of employees being youth. Mutua’s warnings follow recent appeals from hoteliers, who expressed concerns that violent protests could jeopardize the industry. The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) reported increasing requests for cancellations, both internationally and domestically, linked to the ongoing demonstrations.
Protests have persisted despite President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the contentious Finance Bill 2024. KAHC chief executive Mike Macharia emphasized that while business operations continue, cancellations are becoming more common, urging clients to maintain their travel plans.
In 2023, the top sources of tourists for Kenya included the US, Uganda, and Tanzania, with a significant portion visiting for leisure. The government reassures tourists that Kenya remains a safe and attractive destination for safari and beach experiences.