The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has approved the acquisition of Pollman’s Tours & Safaris by Africa Travel Investments, a tourism investment firm backed by billionaire Aliko Dangote.
The approval, published on May 7, confirms that the deal does not pose any risks to competition or public interest in Kenya’s tour operator sector.
Pollman’s, a well-established Kenyan tour operator, specialises in guided safaris and works primarily with international travel agents and tour operators. Its new owner, Africa Travel Investments, is incorporated in Europe and does not currently operate in Kenya.
With over 322 active tour operators in Kenya, the market is considered low concentration. “The structure and concentration of the market for tour operators will not be affected,” the CAK said.
The regulator also confirmed there will be no job losses, no impact on small and medium enterprises, and no harm to industry competitiveness.
