Tourism stakeholders have called for dialogue between the government and the youth, warning that frequent unrest in the country is jeopardising gains made in the industry, which had suffered major losses during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The sentiments come as the United Kingdom updated its travel advisories to its citizens regarding Kenya.
One advisory was issued ahead of the last Wednesday’s protests while another followed two days later, warning of potential kidnappings, as the state once again faces accusations of abducting its critics.
A group of protesters march on Moi Avenue in Mombasa during the commemoration of victims of police brutality during the June 2024 protests.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO),” part of the advisory states.
Speaking at a tourism stakeholders’ forum in Mombasa, National Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Chris Musau said violent demonstrations are shaking visitor confidence and threatening business continuity.
“These protests are affecting our businesses. The government must sit down with Gen Z. You cannot use force to solve this even at home, a parent sits with their child to resolve conflict. Young people do not have jobs, so they can do this every day,” said Mr Musau.
He urged the government to prioritise dialogue and transparency cautioning that Kenya could lose out to regional competitors like Zanzibar if the situation persists.
“Any life lost is too much. We, the older generation, must sit down with the youth, listen and forge a peaceful way forward. Without stability, there can be no tourism no economy to speak of,” added Mr Musau.
According to the latest tourism sector performance report by the Tourism Research Institute, Kenya's international tourist arrivals surged to 2.4 million in 2024, up 14.6 per cent from 2.1 million in 2023. Tourism earnings also rose to Sh452.20 billion, a 19.79 per cent increase from Sh377.49 billion in 2023.
The US led as the top source market (12.8 per cent), followed by Uganda (9.42 per cent) and Tanzania (8.49 per cent). Other high-growth markets included Somalia, Italy and Uganda.
Mr Musau noted that Zanzibar has attracted nearly three times more charter flights than Mombasa despite both being part of the same coastal tourism zone. He warned that continued unrest could worsen the situation.
Anti-riot police officers block State House Road as protesters march in Mombasa in commemoration of victims of police brutality during the June 2024 protests.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
“We keep asking the government to license more charter flights to reach the levels we had before Covid-19. Right now, small islands like Zanzibar are doing better than us,” he said.
Kenya Association of Travel Agents chairman Joseph Kithitu challenged the government to license more airlines and charter planes if it hopes to achieve its target of five million tourists by 2027.
Mr Kithitu, who spoke at a separate event in Mombasa, said the lack of open airspace and insufficient airline options continues to make travel within the continent more cumbersome and expensive per kilometre than in most other global markets.
“It is unfortunate to see the license for the Tui Netherlands charter plane, which was flying directly to Mombasa, being withdrawn. In addition, several airlines such as Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines have applied to operate but are yet to receive the green light,” said Mr Kithitu.
The association's CEO Mike Macharia said the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Tourism should work in tandem to increase the number of visitors to the country.
“The two ministries are not coherent. While the Ministry of Tourism strives to attract more airlines, the Ministry of Transport is focused on protecting Kenya Airways’ business. While we understand the need to protect KQ, there’s also a need to open up space for more airlines to bring in more visitors,” said Mr Macharia.
According to stakeholders, Kenya Airways can secure its dominance and attract more travellers only if it expands its fleet from fewer than 90 aircraft to more than 200 to serve the market effectively.
KQ Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said the airline is in the process of acquiring more aircraft to stabilise its operations, grow its capacity and help move the industry forward.
A group of protesters march on Buxton Road in Mombasa during the commemoration of victims of police brutality during the June 2024 protests.
Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group
Stakeholders also called for the revival of the Tourism Finance Corporation to offer affordable loans to players in the tourism sector.
The calls for calm and collaboration come as Kenya reels from the impact of widespread youth-led protests marking one year since the violent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Though peaceful in some areas, including Mombasa, the Wednesday demonstrations turned chaotic in others, with several fatalities reported and property destroyed.
