Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala, has warned that the rising political temperature over the repeat presidential election could deal a blow to future tourist bookings.
Kenya is set to hold a repeat presidential poll on October 26 after the Supreme Court nullified the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta, citing irregularities in the August 8 general election.
Last week, National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, said the opposition coalition would hold demonstrations on Mondays and Fridays to try to force the sacking of some officials of Kenya’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He said his coalition would not participate in the repeat presidential poll unless the IEBC CEO, Ezra Chiloba was dismissed.
On Monday, opposition supporters demonstrated in NASA strongholds – Kisumu, Migori and Siaya – where they brought transport to a standstill. In Nairobi, some MPs and supporters of NASA also demonstrated, but were dispersed by police with tear gas. In Mombasa, some NASA supporters held a short peaceful demonstration.
Speaking at the official opening the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi, Balala warned: “The demonstrations by the opposition are not auguring well for the tourism sector. When the images of demonstrators clashing with police are beamed across the world it affects the industry.
“Since July, lodges and tented camps in the Maasai Mara National Reserve have been receiving large numbers of tourists thanks to the wildebeest migration,” he said. “But information I am receiving from hoteliers is that the ongoing demonstrations held by the opposition might affect bookings in January and February.”
However, Balala assured tour operators and travel agents in overseas markets that Kenya was still safe for holidays. “Tourists coming to Kenya for holidays are enjoying their leisure and safaris as the political situation does not affect popular beach resorts at the Kenya coast, Nairobi and the national parks across the country.”
Balala pointed out that by August this year, tourist arrivals to the country had grown by 10% compared with the previous year. He added that, were it not for the electioneering period between August and the repeat presidential election to take place this month, the country could hit a target of 1.5 million arrivals.
Last year, Kenya received 877,000 international tourist arrivals and, combined with cross-border arrivals, the country received 1.3 million visitors.
