Ministry of Tourism, Hoteliers Partner to Boost Visitor Numbers to 5.5 Million

NAIROBI, Kenya– Kenya’s tourism industry stakeholders have pledged deeper collaboration to meet an ambitious goal of attracting 5.5 million international visitors by 2027.

Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), who spoke during a consultative meeting, expressed a shared commitment to repositioning Kenya as a world-class destination for both leisure and business travel.

Central to this effort is a renewed focus on niche markets such as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), as well as sports, wellness, and digital nomad tourism.

Tourism Secretary Rebecca Miano applauded the resilience of the country’s hospitality sector, emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to amplify Kenya’s global visibility and unlock more opportunities for young people.

“We must continue to work together to raise Kenya’s visibility on the global stage,” said CS Miano.

“The energy, creativity, and determination of our youth form the backbone of this sector. Every tourist brings potential for job creation from hotel operations to digital marketing and conservation tech.”

With youth making up nearly 75% of hotel industry staff nationwide, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people as catalysts for economic recovery and sustainable growth.

The meeting also addressed recent disruptions affecting tourism, with CS Miano calling for peace, unity, and responsible storytelling to safeguard Kenya’s reputation.

KAHC CEO Mike Macharia echoed these sentiments, commending the government’s continued support and the sector’s resilience.

“Despite the challenges, our hotels have remained open, safe, and ready to serve,” he said.

“Through dialogue and joint action, we can overcome the hurdles and drive the sector forward.”Stakeholders also discussed key enablers such as improved air access and financing for tourism-related investments.

The Ministry revealed ongoing talks with the Ministry of Transport to increase flight frequencies from major source markets and promised to work with the Kenya Development Corporation to introduce concessional financing for tourism enterprises.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei emphasized the need to unify messaging around Kenya’s tourism brand.

“Our goal is to tell the Kenyan story through sustainability, youth inclusion, and digital storytelling,” she said.