Kenya to review airline restrictions to boost tourism

Speaking during the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) Annual Symposium in Malindi, Bitok said the review would be undertaken in collaboration with relevant government agencies and the private sector. The process will assess air access requests against airport capacity, security considerations and broader national interests.

The PS said the move is part of wider government efforts to eliminate long-standing bottlenecks that have hindered the country's tourism growth.

"We are serious about doubling the number of tourist arrivals in Kenya by 2028. That means doing all we can to create an enabling environment, including improving the policy framework to support the industry's growth," he said.

Kenya received about 2.7 million international visitors last year, well below the government's target of five million arrivals.

Industry players have attributed the shortfall to the country's restrictive aviation policy, which limits the number of airlines permitted to operate in Kenya and caps the number of weekly flights for some carriers. They also cited inadequate airport infrastructure, including short runways at Malindi and Diani airports, as well as poor road connectivity.

KAHC Chairman Christopher Musau welcomed the planned policy review, saying a more liberal aviation framework would strengthen Kenya's competitiveness against rival tourism destinations recording higher visitor numbers.

Bitok challenged hospitality industry players to complement government reforms by intensifying efforts to attract more tourists.

"If I convince the Government to create a more enabling aviation environment by opening up our skies, will the industry be ready to bring in more visitors?" he posed.

He noted that Kenya has the capacity to attract visitors throughout the year, citing its diverse tourism offerings, including wildlife, national parks, scenic landscapes and the coastal region.

The PS also said the government is positioning Kenya as a premier destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), describing the sector as a key driver of future tourism growth.

He pointed to the ongoing modernization of Bomas of Kenya into a world-class conference facility, saying the project will complement existing infrastructure and enhance the country's ability to host major international events.

Bitok further urged hotels and other hospitality establishments to uphold high service standards, noting that exceptional guest experiences remain one of Kenya's strongest marketing assets and are critical in attracting repeat visitors.

He also called for sustained investment in skills development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices, emphasizing that a skilled and motivated workforce is essential to the long-term success of the tourism industry.

"Our people continue to be our most valuable asset. We must continue to invest in skills development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices throughout the industry," he said.