Kenya Minister of Tourism, Rebecca Miano, on Wednesday said tourism sector earnings are expected to jump to 650 billion shillings ($5 billion) this year from 452.2 billion shillings in 2024.
Miano said the 2024 earnings increased by 20 per cent compared with 2023. The sector alongside tea exports and remittances are Kenya’s major foreign exchange earners.
In 2024, Kenya implemented several strategic initiatives to attract more tourists and enhance the overall visitor experience. These efforts were driven by the need to recover from the pandemic’s impacts and position Kenya as a premier travel destination in Africa.
Significant investments in infrastructure have improved accessibility to tourist destinations. Upgraded airports and enhanced road networks have made travel more convenient, facilitating increased tourist arrivals and spending.
Upgraded airports and enhanced road networks have facilitated smoother travel experiences, the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has allowed for increased flight capacity, accommodating more international arrivals.
In 2024, Kenya registered over 134,600 international visitors in January alone, reflecting a recovery trend that highlights the importance of infrastructure in attracting tourists.
Kenya has made remarkable growth, and since tourism is a devolved entity, various counties took up the mandate of ensuring that their attraction sites have been made better for 2025.