Over 2.4 million international tourists visited Kenya last year, an increase from 2 million in 2023, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
The number is projected to reach 3 million by the end of this year, as the government promotes the country as a tourist destination.
In line with this, the Ministry announced that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will now be available to all countries in Africa as part of increasing the number of tourists.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa stated that the government is focused on developing the Kenya National Tourism Strategy 2025-2030.
He noted that under the strategy, the number of international visitors is expected to rise to 5 million by 2027, leading to job creation and increased revenue.
Speaking during a consultative meeting at Lake Naivasha Resort, the PS highlighted that the sector had made significant progress since the outbreak of Covid-19, with a growth rate of 34 percent.
He indicated that the five-year strategy would be finalised by June, while the government works to simplify access to the ETA for other countries.
“The number of international visitors reached 2.4 million in the recently concluded year, up from 1.5 million in 2022, and we expect this trend to continue in the coming years,” he remarked.
In a press briefing, Ololtuaa mentioned that the government is collaborating with county governments to make cultural festivals annual events.
“Away from wildlife and beaches, we are keen to promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) tourism in the country,” he added.
Assistant Director in the Ministry Vincent Bwire described the strategic plan as a game-changer for the tourism sector, which has faced numerous challenges over the years.
He confirmed that they are working closely with all stakeholders in the tourism sector, with support from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Bwire projected that the number of tourists visiting the country would reach 5 million by 2027 once the strategic plan is implemented.
“The country has high potential in terms of attracting more international tourists and the strategy will re-engineer the sector after the slump recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he stated.
Dr Geoffrey Manyara from UNECA commended the initiative to develop the five-year strategy, emphasising its potential benefits for the country.
“The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa will continue to support such initiatives, and Kenya is on the right path,” he said.
