The Kenya Association of Travel Agents has warned travellers against engaging agents that are not accredited by any authority.
KATA CEO Ms. Agnes Mucuha stated that this will ensure that travellers are not conned of their hard-earned money by unscrupulous people posing as legitimate travel agents.
This comes in the wake of a case where a tour operator is accused of obtaining Ksh 426,000 from a businessman by promising five air tickets to South Africa.
It is alleged that on the day of travel, the travellers presented the tickets at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in order to be presented with boarding passes and instead they were informed that the tickets were not valid.
The agent denied the charges before a senior principal magistrate and was released on a cash bail of Ksh 200, 000.
Many such cases, Ms. Mucuha stated, have been reported but the Association’s hands are tied since they are not KATA members and we have no avenue to seek redress for the victims. The best they can do is report the matter to the police for action to be taken.
“KATA members adhere to a strict code of conduct and professional standards. As the national umbrella body of travel agents in the country, we can assure travellers booking holidays and travel with our agents of utmost professionalism and integrity” she said.
Rogue travel agents who swindle unsuspecting travellers have raised the government’s concern. In August 2019, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Mr. Najib Balala put tours and travel firms offering fake packages to unsuspecting people on notice as they also pose a risk to the country’s image as a tourist destination.
Our Source: Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA)
