TRA warns tourists against unlicensed operators ahead of peak season

The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has cautioned tourism businesses and travellers against engaging unlicensed operators, warning that doing so violates the law and could expose visitors to fraud and poor-quality services, as Kenya enters the peak tourism season.

In a public advisory issued on July 20 2026, the regulator directed all tourism enterprises, including hotels, tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, online travel platforms and tourist transport operators to verify the licensing status of their business partners before entering into commercial agreements or making payments. 

The Authority further warned that no licensed tourism enterprises should pay commissions, referral fees or any other form of remuneration to individuals or businesses that are required to hold a licence under the Tourism Act, 2011, unless they possess a valid TRA licence. 

According to the TRA, unlicensed tourism operations undermine compliant businesses, expose visitors and investors to fraudulent and substandard services, and threaten Kenya's reputation as a safe and world-class tourism destination.

The Authority warned that those found operating or transacting with unlicensed tourism enterprises risk regulatory action under the law.

TRA Director-General Norbert Talam said the Authority remains committed to protecting visitors, supporting compliant tourism enterprises and upholding professionalism across the country's tourism industry while urging Stakeholders seeking to verify the authenticity of a tourism licence to use the Authority's online verification platform or contact the regulator directly for guidance.