The government has announced that Kenya’s tourism is thriving again as the country welcomed 7.5 million tourists both international and domestic in 2024 translating to 14.6 percent growth compared to the 2 million received in 2023.
Additionally, in 2024 Kenya recorded 5.1 million domestic bed occupancy up from 4.6 million in 2023 marking a 12 percent spike.
Speaking at his office in Nairobi, the government spokeswoman, Dr. Isaac Mwaura noted that this did not capture bed occupancy in unregistered accommodation facilities and homestays, which are estimated to account for 10 percent of the bed occupancy.
“Combined bed occupancy grew by 16 percent from 8.6 million in 2023 to 10 million in 2024,” stated Dr. Mwaura.
Further, he revealed that inbound tourism earnings rose to Kshs. 452.20 billion, reflecting a 19.79 percent growth compared to 2023.
Dr. Mwaura added that the United States remained Kenya’s largest source market accounting for 12.8 percent of the total arrivals, followed by Uganda (9.42%), Tanzania (8.49%), the United Kingdom (7.5%), India (5.5%), Italy (3.8%), China (3.8%), and Germany (3.7%) of the foreign nations who visited the country.
The government spokesperson disclosed that the leading purpose of travel to Kenya in 2024 was holiday and leisure at 44.2 percent, followed by business and conferences at 26.9 percent and visits to friends and relatives at 22 percent.
He at the same time implored that the sector projects Kenya receiving 3 million tourists in 2025, following a steady recovery of the tourism sector in the last two years under the current administration.
“A majority of our inbound tourists for the year 2024 (67.8%) entered our country through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which has now doubled immigration booths, increased personnel, and established e-Gates, among other software and infrastructural upgrades,” said Dr. Mwaura.
By Michael Omondi
