Kenya has implemented new regulations that require all tourism enterprises, including operators and accommodation facilities, to provide proof of registered tourism association membership in order to continue legal operations. This is among a raft of new legal requirements under the Tourism Enterprises Regulations 2025 officially gazetted in December.
The regulations make association membership mandatory for applications and renewals of licences with the Tourism Regulatory Authority.
Prior regulations focused only on government licensing and classification standards – not trade association membership – as a legal prerequisite.
According to the new regulations, a tourism enterprise that operates “without valid membership of a recognised sector or professional association representing its category of tourism services commits an offence and the Authority may take administrative measures to ensure compliance”.
The enterprises are split into seven categories (A-G) covering hotels, tour operators, tourist transport providers, nature reserves, entertainment and conference facilities and small business owners.
Licensed tourism enterprises must additionally keep personal details of every guest, employee and trainee for a period of no less than five years, and submit data on bed occupancy, number of visitors by country of origin and revenue earnings.
These are among several new measures introduced under the regulations, which are intended to create a more structured tourism sector.
Other changes include more detailed mandatory standards for hygiene, safety, security, operational service and environmental compliance.
