Tourism stakeholders have strongly criticized a recent article published by The Standard Media Group, which they say presents misleading and exaggerated claims regarding the safety of cruise ship passengers.
The article, titled “Gang Attack Cruise Passengers Forcing Cancellations of Visits,” alleges that over 50 armed gang members targeted tourists near the Pembe za Ndovu Monument, robbing them of valuables.
Industry leaders have condemned the report as sensationalist, warning that such misinformation could harm the country’s tourism sector and undermine ongoing efforts to position the destination as a safe and welcoming hub for visitors.
Addressing the media at Mapembeni, chairman Kenya Coast Tourist Association (KCTA), Victor Shitakha, stated that the article contains claims that have caused unnecessary alarm both locally and internationally.
“Sadly, this article has been picked up and published by international media and could potentially jeopardize the initiatives that Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and other stakeholders have been working on to ensure the return of more cruise liners to the port of Mombasa,” he said.
He further reiterated that sensational reporting has a huge impact on the tourism sector which supports a significant percentage of at least 10 percent of the national GDP.
“Inaccurate stories, especially those touching on security, can damage livelihoods and our national reputation as a safe and attractive destination,” he highlighted, adding that he assured visitors of total safety going forward, noting that Mombasa remains open and welcoming for tourism.
County Commissioner Mohamed Nur dismissed the Report as misleading, clarifying that out of the 6,600 cruise ship passengers, only one visitor experienced an unfortunate incident while exploring the city.
He emphasized that the isolated case should not be used to generalize the overall safety of tourists in the area.
“I want to confirm that the reported incident never took place and at least one of the visitors had her phone snatched and this happens in any major city,” he explained.
Acting Police Commander Maxwell Agoro reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are working closely to maintain maximum security across the city.
He emphasized that authorities have intensified efforts to curb criminal activities, including heightened patrols and intelligence-led operations.
Agoro noted that security teams are actively pursuing individuals identified as habitual offenders to ensure they face the full force of the law.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding both residents and visitors, urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel in maintaining peace and order.
Acting Police Commander Maxwell Agoro highlighted that the authorities are working in tandem to ensure maximum security within the City, noting that they are currently hunting down notorious individuals identified for disturbing the peace of residents.
By Nuru Soud and Fatma Said
