Kenya’s tourism sector received a significant boost on Tuesday, September 3, 2025, when Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, formally commissioned a fleet of new vehicles for the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) during a ceremony at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.

The vehicles, adorned with the TRA’s branding, are intended to enhance the Authority’s capacity to move swiftly across the country, strengthening its oversight, inspections, and enforcement of tourism standards. Speaking at the event, CS Miano emphasized that this investment is about more than just mobility: it’s about safeguarding Kenya’s image as a globally trusted destination.

“Your role from today is even higher than what we had agreed before. We have elevated. Please regulate with happiness and ensure it is there, because that will pull visitors and enhance the global appeal for our destination,” she remarked.She noted that the new fleet will bolster TRA’s ability to respond quickly to stakeholders, root out illegal operators, and maintain consistent service quality across the board.

“This sector must be regulated for the sake of Kenyans. With a classified hotel industry, guest experiences will improve, and that in turn will create employment opportunities, something we consider key,” she added.

Adding depth to the announcement, TRA Director General, Mr. Norbert Talam, welcomed the arrival of the fleet, calling it a pivotal moment for the organization’s operational efficiency. “These vehicles will allow us to extend our reach to every corner of the country. Our teams can now conduct inspections more effectively, enforce compliance with established standards, and ensure that all players in the tourism sector operate within the law,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Nicanor Sabula, CEO of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and a sitting member of the TRA Board, praised the government’s commitment. “The tourism sector is the lifeline of our economy, and maintaining standards is non-negotiable. With this investment, TRA will not only safeguard the interests of consumers but also protect the credibility of Kenyan operators on the international stage,” Sabula said.

The ceremony served as a potent symbol of the government’s broader strategy to modernize regulatory frameworks, enhance brand visibility, and uphold global standards. Through improved oversight and visibility, the initiative is set to reinforce visitor confidence, attract strategic investments, and ensure that tourism development is inclusive and widely beneficial to communities across Kenya.

Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) held a crucial engagement with the leadership of Moi International Airport (MIA) in Mombasa, marking another step in the association’s ongoing efforts to advocate for improved travel facilitation and passenger experience in Kenya’s aviation sector.

The meeting, which brought together representatives from KATA, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Immigration, Customs, Port Health, Aviation Security, and other airport stakeholders, was convened following concerns raised by KATA members regarding various aspects of passenger handling at the airport.

During the deliberations, KATA highlighted issues that directly affect both passengers and travel agents. These included the persistent menace of crows around the airport premises, the need for consistent replenishment of consumables in washrooms, and the lack of a clear intervention point for passengers reporting lost or misplaced baggage. The association also expressed concern over delays in confirming Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs), which in some cases lacked proper channels for escalation.

Equally pressing were matters relating to special assistance for Persons with Reduced Mobility and travelers with medical needs, where KATA members felt prioritization was insufficient. Concerns were also raised about perceptions of unfair treatment faced by Kenyans during customs clearance compared to international tourists, as well as a lack of clarity on yellow fever vaccination requirements, particularly exemptions for passengers above 60 years. In addition, KATA requested capacity-building sessions to better equip travel agents with knowledge of airport procedures, noting that a similar initiative in the past had proved immensely beneficial. The delegation also proposed the establishment of an additional passenger lounge at Terminal 2 to further enhance comfort.

In response, MIA and KAA representatives provided detailed clarifications. Immigration officials noted that ETA applications are processed within 72 hours and confirmed the existence of a 24-hour approval center to expedite cases. They reassured KATA that passengers requiring medical attention are automatically prioritized, with special provisions made for ambulance transfers. Plans to introduce e-gates, beginning with Kenyan travelers, were also unveiled.

Port Health emphasized that vaccination services remain accessible at Moi Airport, the Old Port, and county facilities, with exemptions for older travelers requiring proper certification from medical institutions. Customs authorities explained that differences in tax obligations between returning residents and tourists sometimes led to the perception of discrimination, while Aviation Security assured participants that MIA has maintained a strong record with no reported baggage pilferage in six years. A functional lost-and-found office, they added, continues to handle misplaced items effectively.

Beyond addressing concerns, KAA’s Marketing and Business Development team outlined several passenger experience initiatives already in place or under development. These included the highly rated Bosphorous Lounge, new restaurants and retail outlets, a reorganized parking system, and upcoming projects such as a dedicated Terminal 2 lounge, a landside restaurant, massage seating and enhanced baggage recovery solutions.

KATA, in its closing remarks, welcomed the clarifications and acknowledged the efforts being made to modernize facilities and streamline processes. The association emphasized, however, that sustained dialogue is vital to ensure that travel agents, who are the first point of contact for travelers, remain well-informed and able to guide passengers effectively. KATA also requested to be considered for representation in the Airport Facilitation Committee (FAL) to ensure the voice of travel agents is heard in national aviation discussions.

The association further appreciated KAA’s willingness to host a training and roundtable session with KATA members in the near future, which will serve to deepen collaboration and enhance mutual understanding of airport protocols.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both KATA and MIA reaffirming their shared commitment to making passenger travel smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. As Kenya continues to position itself as a leading regional hub for both business and leisure travelers, such collaborations are expected to play a key role in elevating service delivery and strengthening confidence in the country’s aviation sector.

President William Ruto has reiterated Nairobi’s commitment to strengthening the enduring bond between Kenya and the United States.

President William Ruto (middle) during the signing ceremony of an MOU by Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu (L), and Nebraska’s Secretary of State Robert Evnen (R) between Kenya and the Cornhusker State at State House Nairobi on Tuesday.Photos Courtesy of PCU

That relationship, Dr Ruto noted, is historically anchored by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade framework, strategic security cooperation, and shared democratic values.

Consequently, in a significant move aimed at deepening international ties at a state level, the Kenyan government has signed a landmark cooperation agreement with the US State of Nebraska.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) underlines a strategic effort to expand opportunities for Kenyans abroad and create new channels for investment, education, and skills transfer.

“This pioneering arrangement marks a significant step forward in our partnership, serving to expand opportunities for Kenyans abroad and substantially deepen the people-to-people ties that form the bedrock of our international friendship,” a statement from the President’s office noted.

The wide-ranging MoU outlines a multifaceted agenda for collaboration between Kenya and the Cornhusker State, focusing on formalising structures to engage the Kenyan community in the region and facilitate their contribution to Kenya’s development.

It will also create new pathways for Kenyan students and apprentices to gain skills in Nebraska’s key industries, notably agriculture and manufacturing.

In addition, it will promote the exchange of expertise, particularly in agricultural technology, water management, and renewable energy.

Moreover, the MOU will encourage mutual tourism promotion and facilitate business links between Kenyan and Nebraskan companies.

“It will essentially develop programmes for structured labour exchange to address skill gaps and provide employment opportunities.”

The partnership with Nebraska, a major agricultural and academic hub in the American heartland, is seen as a pragmatic move to access specific expertise and markets. 

For Nebraska, the agreement opens doors to a key East African economy and strengthens its own international footprint.

Source: theeyeswatchmedia.co.ke

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has welcomed the inaugural direct flight by TAAG Angola Airlines from Luanda to Nairobi, describing it as a significant milestone that will boost trade, tourism, and connectivity between Kenya and Angola while reinforcing Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub.

The flight, which will now operate thrice a week, was officially received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by industry stakeholders. KATA was represented by CEO Nicanor Sabula and Board Member Said Tahir, who led the travel agents’ community in marking the launch of the new route. Operated by an Airbus A220-300 aircraft with a capacity of 137 passengers, the service will run every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Speaking at the event, KATA CEO Nicanor Sabula hailed the development as a turning point for African aviation. He noted that the Luanda–Nairobi route will make Africa “smaller, more connected, and more competitive,” further strengthening Kenya’s role as a hub for business and leisure travel while opening new opportunities for Angola in both tourism and trade.

His sentiments were echoed by other stakeholders present. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Acting CEO, Allan Njoroge, highlighted the importance of the African market, which contributed 41 percent of Kenya’s total arrivals in 2024, representing 975,883 visitors. He emphasized that the new flight offers great potential for increasing arrivals from Southern Africa, adding that KTB has made a strategic focus on targeting African markets to grow Kenya’s tourism numbers.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Angola, Joyce M’Maitsi, also urged both Kenyans and Angolans to take full advantage of the new connectivity. She described the thrice-weekly flights as an opportunity to expand trade and tourism links and extended a warm welcome to Angolan travelers to experience Magical Kenya.

In recent years, arrivals from Angola to Kenya have grown steadily, with figures increasing by more than 300 percent in the past four years. The direct service is expected to accelerate this growth by offering seamless connectivity for leisure, cultural, and business travelers. For KATA members, the new route provides additional opportunities to serve clients while promoting intra-African tourism and expanding the reach of Kenya’s travel industry.

The launch of TAAG Angola Airlines’ Luanda–Nairobi service adds to the growing number of carriers selecting Nairobi as a gateway to the continent. For KATA, the development is not only a boost to regional connectivity but also a reaffirmation of the association’s commitment to advancing partnerships that strengthen Africa’s aviation network and unlock new opportunities for trade and tourism.