Stakeholders in tourism and the hospitality industry in the Kenyan coast are optimistic the much-awaited reopening of the economy will revamp the sector that has brutally been hit by the Corona virus pandemic.
The Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) Chief Executive, Julius Owino in conjunction with other associations during a media briefing in Mombasa today expressed hope as they declared their preparedness and readiness regarding the reopening of the industry.
Victor Shitakha, the PrideInn Coast Region Manager, commended the national and county government in Mombasa for opening up the industry last week calling on them to fast-track issuance of licenses for those who have complied so they get back to business which will guarantee people their lost livelihoods.
The stakeholders reiterated their commitments to observe safe operation procedures calling on the government under President Uhuru Kenyatta to unlock the economy after three months of lockdown which has had a detrimental impact of the economy.
For the last three months we have had over million people directly working in the industry lose their income, from waiters, suppliers, beach operators, farmers banks and owners noting that the ripple effect on the livelihoods and the economy is devastating.
They called on the government to balance between reducing the spread of the Corona scourge as well as saving lives, livelihoods, and the economy with people suffering thus their calls for lifting the cessation of movement, international arrivals as well dawn to dusk curfew.
The tourism stakeholders requested all coastal county governors to support the businesses by giving rebates and waivers on rates and licenses since the businesses have not been operating and it would take time before they pick up.
The tourism and hospitality leaders assured employees who are under unpaid leave that soon they will resume to duty and earn their salaries and benefits like before the pandemic that has paralyzed every sector of economy set in
By Joseph Kamolo
