By The COAST Team
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Kenya’s ambition to grow tourism earnings to Sh1 trillion by 2027 is increasingly being underpinned by strategic investments in cruise tourism as evidenced by the maiden call of the luxury vessel MV Azamara Journey at the Port of Mombasa.
Tourism stakeholders say the arrival of the ship, carrying 668 passengers and 338 crew on Monday Jan 12, 2026 signals more than a ceremonial milestone but reflects Kenya’s deliberate repositioning the Port of Mombasa as a competitive cruise destination in the Indian Ocean circuit alongside the ports in Zanzibar, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Tourism cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano, who received the vessel alongside Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) managing director Captain William Ruto, principal secretary John Ololtuaa, and Kenya Tourism Board officials, framed the call as part of a broader growth trajectory for the sector.
Miano noted that Kenya expects another cruise vessel with over 1,000 tourists and crew to dock in Mombasa this week; reinforcing indications that cruise tourism is gaining momentum.
The government is targeting an increase in international tourist arrivals from 2.4 million in 2024 to 5.5 million by 2027–28. A scale of growth that will require diversification beyond traditional beach and safari tourism.
According to the CS tourism earned the country Sh452 billion in 2024 with an estimated leap of Sh1 trillion by 2027 through policy and structural reforms aimed at improving access and capacity, particularly at the Coast.
“It’s very critical for Kenya especially based on the targets of increasing numbers from 2.4 million international tourist arrivals in 2024 to new targets of 5.5 million international tourists by 2027-28, and increasing earnings from Ksh452 billion to a whopping Ksh1 trillion shillings,” she said.
Key interventions include the open skies policy, visa openness, infrastructure development, and a stronger push for MICE tourism, supported by hotel classification and quality assurance measures.
These efforts, acvording to her, are necessary to sustain higher volumes and longer stays.
“In Tourism numbers, we are on an upward trajectory, and we require very good facilities to attract the numbers. We need to prioritise MICE tourism and that’s why we are constructing the largest conference center with a capacity of over 11,000 capacity.”
From a maritime perspective, Captain Ruto said the maiden call by MV Azamara Journey, alongside cruise liners such as Crystal Symphony, validates Kenya’s growing strategic relevance as a cruise hub in East Africa.
He noted that sustained public investment in port infrastructure, including a modern cruise terminal, is central to this strategy.
“The ship will be making four calls this year and as KPA it’s committed to continue supporting cruise tourism, this is a maiden call and it demonstrates that the government is taking cruise tourism very seriously and as KPA we will continue marketing magical Kenya to have more cruise vessels to come,” he said.
The MD confirmed that the Port of Mombasa was expected to receive 10 cruise ships before April suggesting a sharp rise in cruise traffic compared to previous years.
MV Azamara Journey is the second cruise vessel to call this year after MV Crystal, indicating early momentum in 2026.
For industry players, the economic impact is already evident. Starrock Shipping Kenya Limited general manager Hashim described the maiden call as a breakthrough, while tour operators reported strong uptake of excursions beyond Mombasa.
Tourism expert Mohamed Hersi, who also doubles as director of operations at Pollmans Tours and Safaris Company said cruise tourism is increasingly spreading benefits inland.
“At least 300 went to city tours about 250 going for Safari tours at Tsavo, others to fly Safari in Mara and It’s not just about Mombasa, the cruise tourism serves up to, Narok and Taita Taveta counties its good part of the country that is going to benefit,” he said.
The vessel, which arrived from Zanzibar at 6am on Monday, is scheduled to depart for Seychelles on Tuesday evening, January 13, 2026, after an overnight stay.
Its call forms part of a 16-night “Cruise East Africa Cruise Vanilla Islands” itinerary originating in Port Louis, Mauritius, with stops in Madagascar, Mayotte, Zanzibar and Mombasa.
MV Azamara Journey Captain Antonio Master said the ship plans to make repeated calls to Kenya, underscoring confidence in the destination’s readiness.
At the county level, Mombasa tourism CECM Mohamed Osman reiterated the local government’s commitment to security and visitor experience, particularly in key sites such as Old Town.
Analytically, the Azamara call highlights how cruise tourism is evolving into a strategic pillar for Kenya one that not only boosts arrivals but also disperses tourism spend across multiple counties.
The CECM reiterated the county commitment to ensuring a good environment for the tourists touring parts of the city promising them security and experience as they tour the old town.
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