President William Ruto assures Kenyans that tourism is the best bet to accelerate economic growth.
The President said at the Port of Mombasa when he welcomed cruise ship Norwegian Dawn on Sunday, February 23, that Kenya will continue to provide a conducive environment to market the country as a top tourist destination to spur foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.
He noted that the country’s revenue from tourism increased to about KSh450 billion in 2024, saying the sector has created job opportunities for many Kenyans.
“We are investing in quality infrastructure, engaging in strategic marketing and enriching offers and experiences to sustainably drive our tourism numbers,” President Ruto said.
He explained that the country targets to welcome five million tourists by 2027 up from 2.4 million in 2024.
The 294-metre long passenger vessel had 2,200 tourists and more than 1,000 crew members on board.
President Ruto pointed out that Kenya has unique tourism features, adding that many countries in the world cannot match what the country offers.
He singled out the Kenyan Coast’s pristine beaches, resourceful national parks and game reserves, physical features, and thriving cultures from various communities as some of the unique nature that makes the country the best tourists’ destination in the world.
“I am proud to welcome visitors as we establish Kenya as a destination for tourism. I am told 800 of our guests have already left for Amboseli. This speaks to what tourism is doing to our country,” President Ruto said.
The President went on: “Cruise ships were at an all-time high a few years ago, and then we experienced a slow down. But last year, we had 6,500 visitors, while this year, we expect the number to rise as we expect another eight cruise ships to dock.”
During the event, President Ruto interacted with tourists on board, shaking hands and taking selfies with them.
He was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Rebecca Miano (Tourism), Davis Chirchir (Transport) and Salim Mvurya (Sports), Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director William Ruto, among others.
The more than 2,000 passengers who disembarked on Sunday morning will enjoy a series of exciting excursions along the Kenyan coast, exploring the country’s stunning beaches and wildlife parks.
The President urged the private sector to expand facilities to enhance the hospitality industry to cope up with the increasing number of tourists coming into the country.
Ms Miano said the number of tourists who docked on Sunday is the highest Kenya has received at once over the past 10 years.
“We are happy that cruise tourism is picking up and Kenya is emerging as the favourite destination of cruise ships,” she said.
