The British High Commission and Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) have joined forces to strengthen counter-terrorism preparedness within Kenya’s vital tourism sector through a strategic Action Counter Terrorism (ACT) training initiative.
The comprehensive training program aims to enhance the tourism industry’s resilience against potential security threats while maintaining Kenya’s position as a premier tourist destination in East Africa. This collaboration marks a significant step in protecting both local and international visitors while safeguarding the country’s tourism infrastructure.
The ACT training sessions cover crucial areas including:
Risk assessment and threat identification
Emergency response protocols
Crisis communication strategies
Staff security awareness training
Visitor safety procedures
Kenya Tourism Federation CEO Susan Ongalo emphasized the timing of this initiative: “Tourism is a crucial pillar of Kenya’s economy. This training will equip our industry stakeholders with essential skills to maintain Kenya’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for international visitors.”
The program will be rolled out across major tourist hubs, benefiting hotels, tour operators, and other tourism service providers. Industry experts expect this initiative to boost investor confidence and support the sector’s post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Indian travel agents are urging Kenya to introduce incentives for filmmakers and group travellers to boost visitor numbers. At a travel trade show in India, organised by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and attended by 12 Kenyan travel firms, industry experts highlighted Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and filmmaking as key growth opportunities for attracting Indian tourists.
Chetan Samani, Director of Cosmic Safaris, emphasised the potential of India’s film industry in increasing Kenya’s visibility. “Filming is a big thing in India and inquiries on MICE are also what we need to leverage to woo this market,” he said. Notably, nearly 80 international films have been shot in Kenya, with Bollywood productions often leading to a 45 per cent rise in tourist arrivals.
Kenya is actively promoting itself in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata ahead of the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai from 30 January to 1 February 2025. The country is also banking on growing demand from Indian groups and luxury travellers, with India currently ranking as Kenya’s sixth-largest source market.
According to KTB CEO June Chepkemei, the market has recorded a tremendous increase in arrivals after the pandemic to post a 12.4 per cent growth last year with 106,863 arrivals up from 95,038 visitors recorded in 2023.
Air India, India’s premier global airline, has partnered with Kenya Airways in a newly established codeshare agreement designed to streamline travel between India, Africa, and key global destinations. This enhanced collaboration builds on their existing interline agreement, offering passengers expanded connectivity and seamless booking options.
Through this codeshare arrangement, Air India will place its ‘AI’ code on Kenya Airways’ twice-daily flights between Mumbai and Nairobi. Travelers arriving in Mumbai will gain effortless access to Air India-operated flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Colombo, Dhaka, Malé, Melbourne, and Singapore. This expansion significantly improves travel options for passengers flying between East Africa and Asia-Pacific.
“Deepening our partnership with Kenya Airways aligns perfectly with Air India’s strategic vision of expanding our global footprint and strengthening our position in key markets”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India. “Our codeshare partnership will provide significant benefit to guests of both airlines, and also contribute to the overall growth of air travel between India and Africa.”
Conversely, Kenya Airways will integrate its ‘KQ’ code onto Air India’s flights between Delhi and Nairobi, creating more travel opportunities for African passengers heading to India. Additionally, the interline agreement between the two carriers allows smooth itineraries across an extensive network—linking 28 key African cities, including Accra, Addis Ababa, Dar Es Salaam, Harare, Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Seychelles, with 15 major Indian cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Goa, Jaipur, and Kolkata.
“We are delighted to expand our partnership Air India, that will open up significant opportunity for our passengers. This codeshare agreement allows us to offer seamless connections to a wider range of destinations across both airlines’ networks, making travel easier and more convenient” said Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer, Kenya Airways.
By deepening their partnership, Air India and Kenya Airways are reinforcing their commitment to offering travelers a hassle-free experience, bridging two vibrant continents with greater efficiency and connectivity.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced the government’s plan to improve customer experience in Kenyan airports including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Murkomen who spoke on Tuesday during a stakeholder meeting stated that the rollout would be done by a technical team made of officials from the ministries of transport, tourism, interior and coordination, and treasury.
According to the CS, the technical team had already begun working on a long-term strategy to enhance customer experience starting with the country’s main airport.The new charter is also expected to streamline airport operations and ensure smooth passenger movement without interfering with security protocol at the airports.
Further, Murkomen revealed that all airport workers will be required to have a name tag for ease of identification and the introduction of biometrics.
To reduce the long queues at the airports, the Interior CS announced plans to introduce more checking points and the use of advanced technology to scan travellers.
“Most of you have gone to various countries, and in many of those countries we do not like queuing, why do you want people here in Kenya to queue for a long time,” the Interior CS commented.
Murkomen emphasised that the new transformation followed an assessment conducted by officials from the Ministry of Transport on how other airports across the world operated.
“One of the biggest contributions of this meeting is to finally adopt the airport charter. There is nothing outside in terms of security that stops us from having coordination in airports,” Murkomen stated.
“The Ministry of Transport has done a lot of work by benchmarking and researching what happens around the world, so we are not an exception as a country.”
The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Langat who revealed that a new police unit would be established at the airports to enhance security.
According to the police boss, the officers would also undergo customer training a training he said would mainly focus on the culture, attitude, and general outlook of the officers including how they dress.
As the global tourism landscape begins to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, Kenya is rolling out a new ambitious tourism policy aimed at attracting international visitors.
The National Government is keen to position the country as a premier destination in Africa, targeting a significant increase in tourist arrivals this year.
Central to the strategy is the creation of financial incentives designed to attract both international airlines and charter services. The government plans to reduce airport service charges and aviation fuel costs, making it more cost-effective for airlines to operate in the country.
“We want to lower the cost of doing business for airlines to encourage more routes to Kenya,” said Principal Secretary for Tourism John Ololtuaa. “This will not only increase tourist arrivals but also enhance connectivity within the region.” By targeting key international markets in Europe, Asia, and North America, Kenya aims to diversify its tourist demographics.
The government is also focused on attracting charter services that cater to niche markets, such as adventure and eco-tourism, which are gaining popularity among travellers seeking unique experiences.
To support its tourism goals, Kenya is investing in the modernisation of airports and airstrips.
Upgrades will focus on enhancing facilities and services, creating an efficient environment for airlines while improving the overall traveller experience.
The government’s goal is to transform Kenya into a regional hub for both international and domestic tourism.
Additionally, the government plans to streamline travel processes. This includes re-engineering the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to make it easier for tourists to obtain necessary permits.
Simplifying visa requirements will lower barriers for potential travellers, making Kenya an even more appealing destination.
Recognising that collaboration with the private sector is essential, the Kenyan government is actively seeking partnerships with airlines and tourism operators.
These collaborations will not only enhance marketing efforts but also provide a platform for public-private partnerships (PPPs) that can drive investment in tourism infrastructure.
As part of its strategy, Kenya aims to promote the East African region as a single tourist destination.
This joint marketing initiative will eliminate barriers to travel within the region, encouraging tourists to explore multiple countries during their visit.
The new policy also emphasises the importance of domestic tourism as a way to bridge the gaps in international travel.
By developing a Domestic Tourism Strategy, the government hopes to encourage Kenyans to explore their own country, thereby boosting local economies and fostering national pride.
With initiatives to promote under-visited sites and affordable tourism options, the government aims to make travel within Kenya accessible for all citizens.
This focus on domestic tourism is expected to complement international efforts, providing a well-rounded approach to enhancing overall visitor numbers.
As Kenya prepares to welcome an estimated three million tourists by the end of this year, the optimism surrounding the tourism sector is palpable.
The government’s proactive measures, including competitive incentives for airlines and a focus on infrastructure development, signal a commitment to revitalising tourism.
With the right strategies in place, Kenya aims to reclaim its position as a leading tourist destination in Africa.
By enhancing accessibility and promoting unique travel experiences, the country is poised for a robust recovery, setting the stage for a vibrant tourism landscape in the coming years.
The vessel arrived from Victoria Port in Seychelles with the tourists from various countries who will spend two days in the coastal town.
The tourism sector at the coast has received another major boost after the cruise ship MS Ambience carrying 1,700 passengers tourists docked at the port of Mombasa Wednesday morning.
Announcing the arrival, the Kenya Ports Authority said the vessel arrived from Victoria Port in Seychelles with tourists from various countries who will spend two days in the coastal town.
“We have received a fleet of vessels since the circuit began sometime in September last year. The Port of Mombasa is honoured to receive cruise vessel MS Ambience on a maiden voyage to Mombasa,” KPA said.
KPA confirmed that additional ships are anticipated to arrive at the port before the cruise season concludes next month.
“This has been supported by the now operational ultra-modern Cruise Terminal which was developed by the Authority to enhance passenger experience at the Port of Mombasa and solidify Kenya’s position as a hub not only for cargo operations but also for cruise tourism in Africa,” noted KPA.
Tourists disembark from MS Ambience after the ship docked at the Mombasa Port on March 27, 2024. (Photo: KPA)
The MS Ambience is scheduled to dock in Durban after departing from Mombasa.
Last month the Bahamas-flagged cruise ship MV World Odyssey ‘Semester at Sea’ made its third visit to the port of Mombasa.
Popularly known as “Semester at Sea” the World’s biggest floating campus which operates academic voyages for students was in Mombasa for six days.
KPA said the port of Mombasa has recorded an increase in cruise vessel calls pointing to improved connectivity at the port which has positioned it not only for cargo operations but also as a hub for cruise tourism in Africa.
A tourist dances after disembarking from MS Ambience at the Mombasa Port on March 27, 2024. (Photo: KPA)
The port has also received its first caller vessels since the beginning of the year.
First callers are vessels that dock at a port for the first time to load/discharge cargo or for passengers to embark or disembark.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua last month said the government is expecting around Sh2 billion from cruise ship tourism.
Nairobi’s hospitality sector has welcomed its latest luxurious offering with the grand opening of the Hyatt Regency, which commenced operations on Wednesday.
This new high-end hotel aims to attract an upscale global clientele with its spacious accommodations, large television screens, a spa, and a yoga studio. Positioned alongside established luxury establishments such as GTC Residence Apartments, JW Marriott, and Kempinski, the Hyatt Regency’s debut serves as a marker of Nairobi’s thriving hospitality industry and its corresponding impact on the real estate sector.
Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the city’s hoteliers are working to foster environments that provide guests with a sense of home. Nev Jiwani, Group Managing Director of Go Places, a key player in connecting hotels and guests, notes a significant shift in guest expectations towards more expansive lodging options.
Outdoor activities nearby
“Previously, we used to have small rooms. These days, we have new establishments that are more spacious, and you feel you are in your home,” she explains, underscoring the increasing demand for larger rooms among foreign visitors.
Moreover, tourists are attracted to Kenya not only for business-related events, such as conferences and meetings but also for the country’s unique experiences that encourage extended stays. Local attractions, inclusive of wildlife safaris, mountain climbing, street food tours, destination weddings, and shopping, are becoming integral components of travel packages.
Jiwani highlights the rising trend of destination weddings, stating, “People coming to Kenya want to exchange vows in the Maasai inland or the manyatta. They wish to celebrate traditionally while integrating local experiences with international flair.”
The growing demand for health and wellness amenities, including yoga studios, gyms, and health clubs, reflects a broader trend towards preventative healthcare and self-care, particularly within the trillion-dollar wellness market. According to the Tourism Sector Performance Report 2023 by the Tourism Research Institute, hospitality venues featuring spa facilities are well-positioned to capitalize on this demand.
The report also notes that “80 percent of consumers seek tailored experiences from retailers, and the tourism industry is no exception,” highlighting an expectation for personalized experiences among modern travellers. Denis Glibic, Director of Sales and Marketing at Hyatt Regency, describes Kenya as having significant growth potential in the tourism sector.
Glibic further elaborates on the high-end clientele business model, emphasizing the importance of demand in Nairobi. The city serves as the headquarters for various international organizations, including the United Nations, and is a key hub for visitors facilitated by Kenya Airways and other airlines.
Best vacation packages
“We are high-end, and this means we have bigger rooms, bigger televisions, more services, and 24-hour room service, which not many hotels are offering. This is just another addition to the market that sets us a little apart,” says Glibic.
Tourism statistics from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics indicate that tourist arrivals reached 2.087 million in 2023, a notable increase from 1.5 million in 2022 and 871,000 in 2021. According to Hyatt Hotels Corporation, the Hyatt Regency brand in Nairobi aims to provide an unparalleled hospitality experience by merging elements of Kenya’s local culture with its signature service.
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE established in 2003, has marked another milestone in its expansion in East Africa with the opening of a new corporate office in Nairobi’s prestigious Global Trade Centre (GTC). The office, operated through Etihad’s General Sales Agent (GSA) ITVAR Travel, was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 22, 2025 by Ahmad Dib, Etihad Airways General Manager Middle East & Africa, and Dr. Joseph Kithitu, Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), alongside local business leaders.
The strategic location in Westlands, Nairobi’s premier business district, strengthens Etihad’s presence in Kenya following the launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi in December 2024. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays with an Airbus A320 aircraft offering eight seats in Business and 150 in Economy, the service connects the two capital cities with morning departures from Abu Dhabi and evening flights from Nairobi. Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading business hub, with its modern infrastructure and strategic location between Africa and Asia, makes it an increasingly important destination for Kenyan corporate travellers. The city offers world-class facilities for international business and serves as an ideal gateway for companies expanding their global presence. According to Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, this premium location in Nairobi’s Global Trade Centre strengthens the airline’s commitment to the East African market. “The strong performance of our Nairobi service since its launch last month demonstrates the increasing ties between our two nations. This new office opening underscores our commitment to the Kenyan market as we continue to see growing demand from business and leisure travellers in both directions.” Dr. Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairman, added: “The opening of Etihad Airways’ new office in Nairobi’s business hub signals confidence in Kenya’s aviation market. This investment, coupled with their new direct flights, creates valuable opportunities for the travel trade and enhances connectivity for Kenyan travellers.” The Global Trade Centre, a landmark development in Nairobi’s business district, houses numerous international corporations and is strategically positioned to serve Kenya’s expanding business travel sector.
The Cabinet indicated that the initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across Africa. It emphasised that the changes to the eTA system are part of efforts to enhance efficiency and support tourism growth.
The Cabinet has announced new measures to simplify travel for African nationals, exempting most countries on the continent from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirement.
Under the revised policy, visitors from African countries will be permitted to stay in Kenya for up to two months. East African Community (EAC) nationals, however, will continue to enjoy a six-month stay, in line with the EAC’s free movement protocols.
However, Somalia and Libya have been excluded from the exemptions due to ongoing security concerns.
The reforms were made during the first 2025 Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State Lodge, Kakamega.
The Cabinet indicated that the initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel across Africa.
It emphasised that the changes to the eTA system are part of efforts to enhance efficiency and support tourism growth.
“As part of efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth, a key proposal is to grant eTA exemptions to all African countries except Somalia and Libya—due to security concerns. This initiative aims to promote regional integration and ease travel
across the continent,” reads the Cabinet dispatch.
The eTA system, introduced in January 2024, mandates all travellers, including children, to obtain prior approval before travelling to Kenya. The permit costs $30 (approximately Sh3,880) and is valid for a single entry, allowing a stay of up to 90 days.
The Cabinet also approved the introduction of an expedited eTA processing option, allowing travellers to receive instant approval. The processing time for eTAs will be capped at 72 hours, depending on operational capacity.
Additionally, the implementation of an Advanced Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record system is expected to improve pre-screening, bolster security, and streamline passenger processing at entry points.
Further, the government has waived eTA fees for travellers from Botswana, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Zambia, Comoros, Eritrea, and the Republic of Congo, among others.
The Cabinet has also tasked the Secretaries for National Treasury, Transport, Interior, and Tourism with reviewing and reporting within a week on ways to enhance travellers’ experiences at Kenyan airports.
The move signals Kenya’s return to a more open travel policy, reminiscent of a previous system that allowed citizens from 51 African countries to visit visa-free.
It highlights the government’s commitment to fostering regional integration and facilitating easier travel within the continent.
The national carrier boosted local suppliers beyond Uganda’s skies by taking their products into in-flight services
Revived in 2019 to enhance connectivity and boost tourism, Uganda Airlines faced turbulence from the start but is now showing signs of recovery, with optimism replacing initial skepticism.
Uganda Airlines has achieved a significant financial milestone by reducing its losses by 26% over the past year, as highlighted in the Uganda Auditor General’s report.
Losses dropped from Shs324.9 billion in 2023 to Shs237.85 billion in 2024, a testament to effective leadership and strategic initiatives aimed at reversing years of financial challenges.
“The 26% reduction in losses is a clear indication of the strides we’ve made in addressing operational inefficiencies,” said Shakila Rahim Lamar, head of corporate affairs and communication at Uganda Airlines.
She added that the airline’s leadership is optimistic about achieving profitability in the near future, citing planned expansions and continued government support for capital projects as key enablers.
Uganda Airlines was revived in 2019 after nearly two decades in the dust to enhance the country’s connectivity and boost its aviation industry.
Despite initial optimism, the airline grappled with significant financial losses in its early years, exacerbated by legacy contracts, high operational costs, and limited revenue streams.
The appointment of Jenifer Bamuturaki as chief executive in 2022 marked a turning point for the airline.
Tasked with steering the company toward sustainability from is acute loss-making and uncertainty on whether it would survive the cut-throat aviation competition, Ms Bamuturaki implemented a series of bold measures to address inefficiencies and improve revenue generation.
Ms Bamutaraki laid her commitment bare during an engagement with editors in February last year, urging journalists to transform their inquiries into compelling narratives while promoting a balanced relationship between the media and businesses.
“Do you remember the fuelling saga in Dar es Salaam some years ago? I found it hard to believe when the media ran wild with stories suggesting that an aircraft, which was on the ground waiting to refuel, was in danger of crashing,” she said.
Key Measures Implemented
Uganda Airlines, under the stewardship of Bamuturaki, expanded its operations from 11 to 16 routes, including the addition of Mumbai and Lagos.
Ms Lamar told the Nile Post that while these routes incurred initial costs, they significantly boosted passenger traffic and cargo revenues, positioning the airline for long-term growth.
The national carrier attributes this strategic route development to its ability to improve connectivity while increasing revenue streams.
Recognising the potential of cargo services, the airline prioritised this segment, leading to an impressive 380% growth over the past year.
“Over 9,233 tonnes of cargo were transported, establishing cargo operations as a critical revenue stream,” Ms Lamar said.
To maximise limited resources, the airline also utilised a wet lease for an Airbus A320, which has been instrumental in meeting demand on high-traffic routes.
This arrangement allowed Uganda Airlines to increase seat capacity and support passenger growth without the immediate financial burden of outright aircraft acquisition.
Cost management has been a focal point of the airline’s strategy. Uganda Airlines reviewed and renegotiated outdated contracts, streamlined staff wages and benefits, and introduced a self-handling project at Entebbe International Airport to reduce reliance on external providers.
Fuel management mechanisms were also improved to optimize acquisition and usage amidst fluctuating global fuel prices.
Additionally, Uganda Airlines increased local contracting from 10% to 80%, ensuring consistent supply chains while supporting the national economy.
This shift to local suppliers has reduced costs and bolstered Ugandan industries, the airline noted.
Despite these achievements, Uganda Airlines continues to face challenges. Forex exposures, high fuel costs, blocked funds in countries like Nigeria and Burundi, and mandatory aircraft maintenance remain pressing issues.
Ms Lamar highlighted these obstacles but reiterated that the strategic measures adopted have significantly mitigated their impact, setting the airline on a path toward sustainability.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
In his report for the last financial year – and a maiden one at that – Auditor General Edward Akol, noted that while a number of state-owned enterprises and corporations in Uganda are grappling with worsening financial performance, some have been facing bleak financial outcomes.
Joining Uganda Airlines on the progressive podium were Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC), whose losses sharply reduced by up to 78.4%, from Shs17.5 billion to Shs3.78 billion.
Uganda Air Cargo Corporation also showed progress, reducing its losses from Shs10 billion in 2023 to Shs8.21 billion in 2024.
While these figures still represent substantial losses, AG Akol said the trend was encouraging, suggesting that operational adjustments and better financial oversight can result in significant improvements.
Beyond financial performance, Uganda Airlines has made substantial socio-economic contributions.
Operating 20 daily flights across 16 routes, the airline has enhanced regional connectivity and reduced travel times.
Its operations account for 23.6% of Entebbe International Airport’s total traffic, while 90% of onboard consumables are sourced locally, supporting local industries.
Over the past five years, Uganda Airlines has generated Shs1.2 trillion in revenue and created 560 jobs. Looking ahead, the airline plans to expand its operations to the United Kingdom and acquire two midrange freighters, further strengthening its market position.
“We are optimistic about reducing losses further in the next financial year as we expand into new markets and optimise our operations,” said Ms Lamar.
The story of Uganda Airlines highlights how effective leadership and targeted strategies can transform even the most challenging circumstances into a path toward recovery and growth.
Tourists disembark from MS Ambience after the ship docked at the Mombasa Port on March 27, 2024. (Photo: KPA)
A tourist dances after disembarking from MS Ambience at the Mombasa Port on March 27, 2024. (Photo: KPA)
