The number of visitors touring our game reserves increased by 43 percent reaching about 3.64 million in 2024 up from 2.54 million in 2023.
Giving an update on the state of tourism and Wildlife in Kenya, Cabinet Secretary Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano also revealed that the number of international tourists has gone up by 2.4 million in 2024 up from 2.08 million in 2023.
According to Miano the significant results are as a result of the good policies which have been put in place by President William Ruto that seek to make Kenya the global destination.
“A lot is happening and more is also set to happen. Kenya has the best places to visit. Our tourism sector has a lot to offer ranging from wildlife, sports tourism and even cultural tourism,” she said.
Miano said the digitisation of tourism services has also seen revenue grow from Sh 5.35 billion in 2022/23 to Sh 7.6 billion in 2023/24 financial year.
To address the emerging issues related to climate, the government has also built 21 water pans and 4 boreholes in Tsavo conservation area.
On the wildlife human conflict, under the leadership of CS Miano, the government has began constructing 320 kilometer of wildlife fences in counties of Laikipia, Makueni and Taita taveta.
Miano has also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fulfilling its promise of compensation, stressing that the government was determined to ensure a swift and organised process.
“The President has made it clear to us as a Ministry that communities and the people of Kenya are at the centre of the government’s mandate. We are here to compensate the victims,” Miano said.
The compensation initiative is a result of extensive verification work done by the Ministry, ensuring that only legitimate claimants benefit from the funds.
So far a total of Sh 480 million has been distributed.
The government has also overseen the recruitment of 1350 new wildlife rangers where 1500 were commissioned last year.
This is the highest in Kenya history.
Recently, CS Miano also launched a strategic plan that will focus on increasing tourism arrivals to 5 million by 2027 as well as establishing Kenya as a premier destination under the banner “Home of Human Origins.”
The plan, covering the period from 2023-2027, outlines a roadmap to drive sustainable growth and engagement across various sectors of the tourism industry.
The plan also gives focus to youth initiatives in both tourism and conservation given that over 70 per cent of the country’s population is youth under 30 years.
Leave a Comment