Fire IncidentA fire broke out at Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa on Kenya’s South Coast on Friday but was swiftly contained, with authorities confirming that no injuries or fatalities occurred.
The incident drew attention after a video circulated online showing flames and thick smoke rising from the roof of one of the hotel structures.
In the footage, a section of the beachside restaurant appeared to be on fire, prompting onlookers to raise the alarm.
The visuals sparked concern among travellers, tourism operators, and the public, leading the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) to issue a statement clarifying the extent of the incident.
In the statement, the TRA reassured the public and the tourism sector that the fire was effectively managed and did not disrupt the hotel’s overall operations.
The authority confirmed that no guests or staff members were harmed, attributing the outcome to prompt emergency response.
"The Tourism Regulatory Authority wishes to assure the general public that the fire, which impacted the beach restaurant, was swiftly contained by emergency responders. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the incident did not affect other areas of the hotel," the statement read.
Normal operations at the resort have since resumed.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with TRA officials working alongside relevant agencies to determine what triggered the blaze.
The TRA also reiterated its commitment to maintaining high safety standards across Kenya’s hospitality sector.
"The authority remains committed to upholding the highest standards across Kenya's tourism sector and will provide further updates as more information becomes available," the statement added.
The Tourism Regulatory Authority is the government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing Kenya’s tourism sector. Its mandate includes licensing and accrediting hotels, tour operators, travel agencies, and guides, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and promoting Kenya as a global tourist destination.
The TRA also monitors sector performance, investigates complaints, supports environmental and cultural conservation, and provides capacity building and guidance to stakeholders.
The authority collaborates with county governments, international partners, and private sector actors to foster a responsible and competitive tourism industry.
