Tourism Stakeholders Slam Negative Political Talk, Say Kenya Remains Safe for Visitors
The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) Chairman Fred Odek also weighed in, warning that tourism confidence is fragile and difficult to rebuild once damaged.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Linda Olendo
Tourism stakeholders across the country have condemned what they term as irresponsible political rhetoric that portrays Kenya as unsafe, warning that such statements risk crippling a sector that is the lifeblood of millions of Kenyans.
The strong rebuttal follows remarks made on Sunday by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who urged tourists and foreign investors to postpone travel and investment in Kenya, claiming the country had become insecure.
Led by Tourism Principal Secretary Prof. Julius Bitok, government and private sector players dismissed the remarks as unfortunate, reckless and damaging to years of collective effort to market Kenya as a top global destination.
“These remarks are unfortunate and irresponsible. They undermine the concerted efforts by the Government and stakeholders across the tourism value chain,” Prof. Bitok said in a statement.
The PS underscored the immense contribution of tourism to the economy, noting that the sector contributes nearly 10 percent of Kenya’s GDP, generated approximately Sh1.7 trillion last year, and supports close to two million jobs both 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,” Bitok stated.
He added that Kenya is firmly on track to achieve its target of five million international arrivals by 2028, having welcomed about 2.7 million visitors in 2024, and insisted that tourism must be insulated from political contestation.
The Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) Chairman Fred Odek also weighed in, warning that tourism confidence is fragile and difficult to rebuild once damaged.
“Tourism is not a tap that can be switched off today and turned back on at will. Once confidence is damaged, rebuilding it can take years – sometimes longer regardless of how quickly political circumstances change,” Odek said.
He reminded political leaders that visitors come to Kenya to experience wildlife, beaches, culture, conferences and sporting events, not to participate in domestic politics.
“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,” he added.
The federation noted that the fallout from cancelled bookings is felt by hotel workers, tour guides, drivers, artisans, farmers, beach operators, airlines and small businesses across the country.
At the Coast, the Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA) termed the remarks reckless, stating that tourism is a lifeline for millions at the Coast and any negative travel advisory directly hits ordinary workers.
Similarly, the Lake Victoria Tourism Association Kenya (LVTA), representing the Western Kenya Circuit, cautioned that negative commentary hurts fishing, hospitality and conservation economies that depend on a steady flow of visitors.
Stakeholders have urged political leaders to exercise restraint and sobriety, and to keep tourism out of political battles.
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