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The visa-free entry policy adopted by Kenya has boosted the tourism industry after the country recorded an increase in the number of international arrivals totalling 273,412 visitors in the last 16 months of President William Ruto’s administration.

The government earned Sh650 million during that period with the government attributing the rise in revenue to the tourists extending their stay in the country by a day from the average 10 days to 11 days.

As a result, bed occupancy in hotels frequented by visitors increased by three per cent in the period under review.

“This means more money was injected into the economy. The more they stay, the more they are spending,” Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said.

To ensure Kenya retains its global status as a tourist destination, he said the government is focused on protecting endangered animal species which are a key tourist attraction.

“Tourists come to Kenya primarily to see animals. The government is thus putting in place measures to ensure that the endangered species don’t become extinct such as the northern rhino whose current population is only two in the country. However, endangered elephants have increased by 692, while black rhinos have grown by 80,” he explained.

Additionally, the government has increased training opportunities for the youth to 1,044 so that they can take up jobs in the tourism sector.

Export labour

Mwaura hinted that Ronald Ngala Utalii Training College which will be opened in June will have the capacity to train 5,000 youth at a go, adding that the focus is to make the college a centre of excellence and export labour to countries such as Saudi Arabia that is building a new city, requiring 350,000 workers.

According to Mwaura, Kenya is also becoming a popular destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE) travel where last year, local and international conferences hit the 10,000 mark with an increase of 2,151 conferences, and over 14,000 delegates from around the world in attendance.

Through the Office of the Attorney General, 122,221 Kenyans who couldn’t pay for legal services, were given legal aid in civil, criminal, and children matters by the government since President Ruto ascended into power.

Part of these cases were resolved through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to save parties from the rigorous legal process and long wait before justice can be served.