The Kenya Kwanza Administration has outlined ambitious goals under its Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to significantly increase foreign exchange earnings by boosting the number of annual foreign tourist arrivals.
The government aims to increase tourist numbers from the current 2 million, which has remained stagnant for nearly four decades, to 5 million annually by 2027, and ultimately to 10 million by 2032.
This year, tourist arrivals are expected to reach the 3 million mark.
Recognizing the importance of security and safety for both foreign and local tourists, the National Police Service (NPS) is set to enhance the deployment of the Tourism Police Unit (TPU).
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Tourism Fund, will support the TPU with resources for mobility, specialized training programs tailored to the hospitality industry, and other logistical needs.
Despite these enhancements, the TPU will remain under the operational command and discipline of the Inspector General of Police.
In a significant step towards ensuring tourist safety, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at Harambee House between the Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism.
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The MoU was signed by Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, and witnessed by Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja.
The signing ceremony was attended by key government officials, including Principal Secretaries Dr. Raymond Omollo (Internal Security and National Administration) and John Ololtuua (Tourism), as well as Deputy Inspector-General (Kenya Police Service) Eliud Lagat, and senior ranks from the Ministries of Interior, National Administration, and Wildlife and Tourism.
This collaboration marks a strategic move by the government to not only enhance the security of tourists but also to support the growth of Kenya’s tourism sector, which is a vital contributor to the country’s economy.