In a bid to strengthen tourist safety and boost confidence in Kenya’s travel sector, the government plans to establish a Tourism Crisis Management Unit and list verified service providers on the National Tourism Service Portal.
This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance law enforcement through the Tourism Police Unit and ensure visitors have access to trustworthy services.
The establishment of the Tourism Crisis Management Unit is among the key measures the government intends to deploy to safeguard visitors. Additionally, licensed service providers will be listed on the National Tourism Service Portal, helping tourists identify credible operators and complementing the strengthened presence of the Tourism Police Unit.
The 2026 Budget Policy Statement by the National Treasury highlighted tourism as a central pillar in advancing the country’s socio-economic development.
“Its multiplier effects extend across key sectors including agriculture, trade, environment, manufacturing, and infrastructure, thereby supporting broad-based economic development,” reads the statement.
As international arrivals continue to rise, the government aims to ensure visitor safety and the legitimacy of service providers.
“To achieve this, the Government will strengthen the Tourism Police Unit to enhance law enforcement and protection in key tourism areas. Licensed tour operators will be listed on the National Tourism Service Portal to provide tourists with verified and trustworthy service providers,” the statement added.
The policy also emphasised that the Tourism Crisis Management Unit will provide immediate assistance to tourists in distress, enabling timely reporting and resolution of safety-related incidents.
“These measures aim to build confidence among both domestic and international tourists, promote a safe and secure tourism environment, and reinforce Kenya’s reputation as a premier tourist destination,” the policy statement read.
Tourism statistics show that Kenya received 2.4 million international visitors in 2024, marking a 15 per cent increase. These visitors contributed Sh452.2 billion in revenue, a 19.8 per cent growth compared to 2023.
The rise in arrivals has been attributed to the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which eased entry for visitors, alongside aggressive marketing campaigns.
The number of local and international delegates also increased from 638,478 to 736,874, while local conferences rose from 10,558 to 12,224. During the period, 991 establishments, including hotels and lodges, were assessed and accredited to meet quality standards.
Revenue from the tourism levy grew from Sh3.9 billion to Sh5.1 billion.
“The policy underscores robust marketing and promotion initiatives to position Kenya as a premier global tourism destination through aggressive destination marketing in both traditional and emerging source markets and by implementing integrated marketing campaigns across online and offline platforms to enhance visibility and attract more international arrivals,” reads the statement.