This follows remarks by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Sunday urging tourists and foreign investors to postpone travel and investment in Kenya, saying was unsafe due to "rising cases of insecurity". Led by Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, government and industry players termed the remarks "unfortunate and irresponsible", cautioning they undermine years of sustained effort to position Kenya as a premier global destination.
"Any action or statement that unnecessarily erodes confidence in Kenya as a safe and attractive destination places these livelihoods and economic gains at risk," the PS said. Bitok further stressed that Kenya is firmly on course to achieve five million international arrivals by 2028, having welcomed approximately 2.7 million visitors last year.
"Tourism should remain insulated from political contestation and the turbulence of political seasons," he said. The Kenya Tourism Federation chairman Fred Odek told politicians that the tourism industry is not like a tap that can be tuned on and off at convenience.
"Tourism is not a tap that can be switched off today and turned back on at will," Odek said, "Once confidence is damaged, rebuilding it can take years, sometimes longer regardless of how quickly political circumstances change." Odek noted that tourists visiting Kenya are not participants in domestic political rivalries but rather come to experience Kenya's wildlife, beaches, culture, hospitality, conferences, and sporting events.