Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Hon. Rebecca Miano, EGH, appeared before the Senate plenary to respond to Questions raised by Senators.

Responding to Sen. Joyce Korir, MP, on the performance of the tourism sector in 2024 and the strategies being implemented to enhance Kenya’s global competitiveness,the CS reported that the sector had recorded one of its strongest performances in over a decade, with international arrivals rising by 14.6 per cent from 2.08 million in 2023 to 2.4 million in 2024, while earnings increased from Kshs. 377 billion to Kshs. 452 billion. 

Domestic tourism also played a key role, with bed-nights growing from 4.6 million to 5.17 million, representing a 12 per cent increase, while cruise tourism surged by 163.5 per cent, with more than 6,500 visitors arriving at Kenyan ports.

Hon. Miano explained that the growth was attributed to enhanced air connectivity, the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorization system, improved collaborative marketing under the Magical Kenya brand, and diversification of tourism products that attracted new segments such as cultural heritage tourism, sports tourism, cruise travel and destination weddings alongside the traditional safari and beach offerings. 

The CS dismissed claims of a decline in international arrivals, noting that Kenya remained the leading East African destination with 2.4 million visitors, ahead of Tanzania, Mauritius, Rwanda and Uganda, and retained its fifth overall position in Africa while ranking among the top four countries that surpassed pre-COVID-19 arrivals.

She further assured Senators that the Ministry is pursuing an ambitious strategy to position Kenya as Africa’s premier tourism hub with a target of 5.5 million international arrivals and Kshs. 1 trillion in earnings by 2027/28. 

She outlined interventions including expanding international airline routes, supporting youth-driven digital innovations, empowering MSMEs and communities through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, enhancing safety and infrastructure in tourism zones, and strengthening the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector which contributed 27 per cent of all arrivals in 2024. “Tourism must uplift Kenyan lives across all regions and income levels. Our strategies are anchored on inclusivity, sustainability and innovation. With continued implementation, Kenya will not only meet but surpass its 2027/28 targets,” Hon. Miano said.

Sen. Joyce Korir, who sought the clarification, welcomed the detailed response and underscored the importance of ensuring that communities hosting key attractions benefit equitably from tourism revenues. Senators present urged the Ministry to sustain efforts in marketing, infrastructure development and safety improvements to consolidate Kenya’s position as a leading global destination.