The Government will review restrictions on the number of airlines and flights that are allowed into the country to entice more foreign tourists.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the review that will involve relevant government agencies and the private sector will factor in air access requests against local airports capacities, security considerations and other national interests.
Speaking during the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) Annual Symposium in Malindi, the PS said the Government was keen on addressing bottlenecks blamed for failure to attain tourism growth targets over the years.
“We are serious about doubling the number of tourist arrivals in Kenya by 2028. That means doing all we can to create an enabling environment including improving the policy framework to support the industry’s growth.”
How many foreigners visited Kenya in 2025?
Around 2.7 million foreigners visited Kenya last year against a target of 5 million. Hoteliers ascribe the low number to the current aviation policy that limits the number of airlines allowed into the country and the number of weekly flights for others.
Other cited factors are airports capacities including short runways in Malindi and Diani and poor roads. KAHC Chairman Christopher Musau said a more flexible aviation policy will boost tourism as Kenya has competitive advantages over other countries that are recording superior tourism numbers.
The PS challenged players in the hospitality industry to match government-led reforms with increased efforts to attract more visitors, noting that unlocking the sector’s full potential requires the public and private sectors input.
“If I convince the Government to create a more enabling aviation environment by opening up our skies, will the industry be ready to bring in more visitors?”
PS Bitok said Kenya has the capacity to host tourists throughout the year owing to its rich diversity of tourism products, including wildlife, national parks, scenic landscapes and the coastal region.
The government is banking on strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) to lure more foreigners into the country.
Importance of Bomas of Kenya modernisation
The PS said the ongoing modernization of Bomas of Kenya into a world-class conference facility will complement existing infrastructure and enhance the country’s capacity to host major international events.
He urged hospitality establishments to maintain high standards of service, comfort and hospitality, observing that exceptional guest experiences remain one of Kenya’s strongest marketing tools and are key to attracting repeat visitors.
PS Bitok further called for sustained investment in skills development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices across the tourism sector, saying a skilled and motivated workforce remains central to the industry’s long-term growth.
“Our people continue to be our most valuable asset. We must continue to invest in skills development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices throughout the industry,” he said.
