Kenya is leveraging improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity and deeper regional integration to strengthen its position as a premier tourism destination in East Africa, Tourism CS Rebecca Miano has said.
The country is targeting a 27 per cent increase in Ugandan visitors this year, aiming to record 300,000 arrivals by the end of the year.
The Kenyan Coast remains the top attraction for Ugandan tourists, drawn by its pristine beaches and unique experiences.
Last week, the national government sent a delegation to the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) held at Speke Resort and Convention Centre in Munyonyo, Kampala.
The team promoted Kenya as a key tourism hub in the region.
CS Miano said expanded air routes and ongoing road infrastructure development have significantly boosted tourism and trade.
“By enhancing connectivity between Kenya and our East African neighbours, through expanded air routes, improved infrastructure, and simplified visa processes, we are not only increasing visitor numbers but also enriching the overall travel experience,” she said.
Miano said continued government investment in air connectivity and infrastructure is already yielding positive results, with rising tourist arrivals and growing interest in investment and trade opportunities.
Africa remains Kenya’s largest source market, contributing 975,883 tourist arrivals in 2024, representing 40.8 per cent of all international visitors.
Within the East African Community, Uganda leads as the top African source market, accounting for 31.7 per cent of African arrivals, followed by Tanzania (28.5 per cent), Somalia (11.4 per cent) and Rwanda (9.2 per cent).
Miano said Kenya is committed to increasing the number of Ugandan visitors, and POATE offered a vital platform to advocate policies that simplify travel, promote intra-African tourism and boost the global appeal of the East African tourism experience.
Business travel, conferences and visits to friends and relatives make up 77.3 per cent of EAC arrivals.
However, the Cabinet secretary highlighted the potential to diversify into more leisure-oriented tourism.
Kilifi tourism promotion chief officer Herbert Mwachiro, said Uganda’s preference for the Kenyan coast stems largely from its beach offerings.
He said weddings and honeymoons have become a major pull factors for Ugandan travellers.
“Our current strategy is to connect local tour operators with their counterparts in Uganda to expand marketing opportunities in both countries and foster complementarity,” Mwachiro said.
He said Ugandans are increasingly drawn to golf tourism, particularly the experience at Vipingo Ridge, the only PGA-accredited golf course in Africa.
To further cement this growing relationship, Kilifi county will host the Uganda–Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in October, aimed at showcasing the region’s diverse tourism offerings.
At POATE, Kenya was among more than 260 exhibitors.
The event attracted at least 70 international buyers, more than 5,000 trade visitors, and top industry professionals from across the region and beyond.
