With only fourteen days to go, Kenya’s travel industry is counting down to one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) 2025. Hosted by the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), KeTIBA has grown into far more than an awards night. It has become a celebration of excellence, innovation, and the strong partnerships that continue to fuel the growth and resilience of Kenya’s travel ecosystem.
This year, the awards ceremony will take place on 5th December 2025, at Emara Ole Sereni Hotel in Nairobi. The 2025 edition builds on the remarkable momentum of last year’s event, where over 250 delegates attended and more than 32 organisations were recognised in various categories. KeTIBA 2024 recorded an unprecedented number of nominations, reflecting the sector’s growing confidence in a peer-reviewed platform that is seen as credible, transparent, and unifying.
Industry feedback highlighted the strengthened auditing processes, inclusivity, and visibility that the awards brought to top performers. Organisers say the positive reception of the 2024 awards, coupled with renewed industry enthusiasm, has laid the groundwork for an even bigger, bolder celebration this year, with over 350 delegates expected to grace the gala.
KeTIBA’s significance lies in its unique structure as Kenya’s first peer-reviewed travel industry award. It combines peer recognition, public participation, and independent auditing by Ronalds LLP to ensure credibility and transparency. Travel agents nominate and vote for suppliers, suppliers do the same for agents, and the public participates in select categories. This blended approach makes KeTIBA not just an awards ceremony, but a true reflection of the values, standards, and aspirations that shape Kenya’s travel and tourism industry. For businesses and professionals, winning a KeTIBA award enhances credibility, strengthens brand visibility, and positions them as leaders shaping the future of the sector.
The 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner, will unfold in an atmosphere of elegance befitting its stature, with delegates attending in Elegant Black Tie. Guests will enjoy a red-carpet reception, fine dining, live entertainment, and the formal unveiling of this year’s winners across a wide range of categories covering travel agencies, domestic and international airlines, hotels, travel technology platforms, payment and insurance solutions, and emerging innovators.
The awards maintain their rigorous three-tier process of self-nominations, industry voting, and public voting — which remains open until 30 November — ensuring that the honourees represent a broad, inclusive, and credible cross-section of the industry.
According to KATA, the projected attendance of more than 300 delegates marks a new milestone in the evolution of KeTIBA and reflects the sector’s renewed optimism as it continues to innovate, digitise, and rebuild following global disruptions. The 2025 edition promises more award categories, stronger participation, and deeper engagement from industry leaders, global partners, and changemakers. As the countdown continues, excitement is mounting for an evening that will bring together decision-makers, thought leaders, and rising professionals to celebrate collective achievement while charting a shared vision for the future of Kenya’s travel industry.
With just fourteen days left before the red carpet is rolled out, the 2025 KeTIBA Gala Dinner is set to be the largest and most memorable celebration yet — a night where Kenya’s travel story will be written, celebrated, and remembered.
