Tourism in Lamu grows steadily despite insecurity, Covid-19

The tourism sector in Lamu county has grown from 50 per cent to 85 per cent in the last two years despite issues of insecurity and Covid-19 challenges.

The region has seen an increased number of tourists, both local and international flocking the island.

County executive for Tourism Dismas Mwasambu said the region is looking forward to harnessing the forthcoming high season which starts from August to December.

“High season means it’s the time we get more visitors and tourists coming into Kenya and we are super excited about it,” Mwasambu said.

He said the tourism docket is working closely with organisations like Magical Kenya to promote Lamu as the perfect tourist destination.

The official noted that the presence of mega projects at Lamu Port has also played a part in marketing Lamu globally.

“When they see LAPSSET, they get to know that it’s actually hosted within a county called Lamu which has other interesting features the investors would like. We have had people who come in because of the port and ended up as tourists,” he said.

The CEC said plans are in high gear to cushion the sector from any challenges resulting from the electioneering period.

He said plans are on to ramp up the digital marketing of Lamu as a tourist destination to ensure its least affected no matter the outcome of the election.

“After the elections, things are normally different and people are normally not at ease. It takes time for things to get back to normal and that’s why we have instituted measures which will cushion the sector here from any effects," Mwasambu said.

He said the region received bad publicity from the media coverage that depicted Lamu as insecure.

"Lamu was given bad publicity because of the insecurity issues but we all know that the attacks were happening on the border of Lamu and Somalia. This pulled down the tourism sector but at the moment, we are at a steady 85 per cent growth from 50 per cent in 2018,” he said.

Last week, Lamu Island become the latest film destination with the launch of a new TV drama series Sanura.

The entire series was shot in the region with the set happening on the picturesque Lamu Island together with its sister islands-Pate and Shela.

The show premiered on Maisha Magic Plus on July 19 at 7.30 pm East African Time.

(Edited by Tabnacha O)