Kenya Tourism Shock: PS Blasts Calls to Shun Country

Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok has strongly criticized Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua for his recent remarks urging foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya.

Bitok labeled Gachagua's statements as "irresponsible," warning that they pose a significant threat to investor confidence and could undermine the livelihoods supported by Kenya's vital tourism sector, one of the country's largest economic drivers.

In a statement issued on Monday, Bitok emphasized that Gachagua's comments jeopardize years of dedicated work by both the government and the private sector aimed at positioning Kenya as a secure and competitive global tourism destination.

He noted with concern the call for tourists and investors to bypass Kenya due to alleged insecurity, deeming such remarks "unfortunate and irresponsible" as they counteract extensive efforts in branding, marketing, and destination promotion across the tourism value chain.

The Principal Secretary defended Kenya's robust tourism performance, highlighting that the nation welcomed approximately 2.7 million international visitors last year and remains on target to achieve five million international arrivals by 2028.

Bitok underscored the significant economic contribution of tourism, which accounts for nearly 10 percent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), injected around Sh1.7 trillion into the economy last year, and directly or indirectly sustains nearly two million jobs.

He cautioned that any statements that erode confidence in Kenya as a safe and attractive destination directly imperil these economic gains and livelihoods.

Bitok further warned about the global tourism industry's acute sensitivity to perceptions of security and stability, stressing that alarmist statements could swiftly damage Kenya's meticulously built reputation.

He reiterated Kenya's diligent efforts to establish itself as a premier destination celebrated for its unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and world-class hospitality, asserting that such hard-earned global recognition should not be undermined by negative portrayals that fail to reflect the sector's resilience or the actual experiences of millions of visitors.

Urging political leaders to refrain from involving tourism in partisan politics, Bitok emphasized that the industry is a strategic national asset whose prosperity benefits millions of ordinary Kenyans.

He advocated for tourism to remain insulated from political turbulence, asserting that protecting Kenya's image as a preferred destination is a shared national responsibility that transcends political affiliations.

He also advised leaders with legitimate concerns about the sector to raise them constructively, in a manner that strengthens rather than harms Kenya's key economic pillars.

The PS reaffirmed the government's commitment to collaborating with tourism stakeholders to ensure safe, secure, and memorable experiences for visitors, encouraging continued leisure, business, and investment in Kenya.

Gachagua's controversial remarks were made during a church service at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya on Sunday.

He had called for tourists to suspend their visits until next year, citing unsafe conditions and an increase in "goons," and similarly advised investors to delay their commitments due to the government's alleged failure to guarantee security.

These statements followed his party's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election and appear to be part of an intensified political campaign against President William Ruto's administration in anticipation of the 2027 General Election.