In a move that marks a significant step forward for the travel and tourism sector, Nicanor Sabula, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) for a three-year term.
The appointment, announced by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on Friday, is part of a wave of new leadership placements across various ministries aimed at strengthening service delivery and aligning institutions with the government’s broader development goals.
Mr. Sabula joins the TRA board alongside Fred Kaigua, bringing with him over two decades of industry expertise. As the CEO of KATA, a position he has held for several years, Sabula has played a pivotal role in steering the 45-year-old association through transformative milestones, including digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and robust policy advocacy on behalf of Kenya’s travel agents.
“This appointment is not only a recognition of Nicanor’s leadership but a major win for KATA and the entire travel agency sector,” said a KATA Chairman, Dr. Joseph Kithitu. “It creates a direct channel for the voice of travel agents to be heard at the regulatory level.”
The Tourism Regulatory Authority, mandated to regulate and coordinate the tourism sector in Kenya, plays a critical role in setting standards and ensuring compliance across all tourism-related services. With Sabula on the board, stakeholders anticipate greater collaboration between regulators and industry players.
His appointment comes at a time when the tourism sector is seeking to rebound and reposition itself, with a renewed focus on sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder-driven growth.
“Having a seasoned industry voice like Sabula’s at the TRA is timely,” said one KATA Member. “It reflects a commitment to grounding regulation in the realities of the market and travel trends.”
For KATA, which has represented the interests of travel agents in Kenya for 45 years, this development signifies increased influence, deeper policy engagement, and stronger positioning in national tourism development agendas.
The appointments took effect on May 30, 2025.
