There cannot be a better time to market Kenya as a tourist destination, development destination and potential bilateral partner better than now when we have very high-profile figures in the country.
Kenya is playing host to Their Majesties. King Charles and Queen Camila are in the country for a four-day visit, with different activities lined up for them.
Whether you are a critic of this visit or a proponent, this is definitely an ode to diplomacy. Their visit has even brought some of our leaders in government and opposition together. During the banquet on Tuesday night, the presence of Raila Odinga was conspicuous, and Kenyans on both divides were happy, at least for a moment. This is where our Swahili experts would say, “Mgeni njoo, mwenyeji apone!” loosely translated, “A visitor’s presence can create subtle peace and healing!”
Such a visit, would ideally elicit very high interest, placing Kenya prominently on the international map. Many would ask, why would the King choose Kenya in his first visit to the continent as monarch? But from players in the international field, this is ultimately a good sign towards development. Meaning, Kenya is peaceful enough to host such high figures, and Kenya also plays a significant role in the region.
This visit also comes at a time when Lonely Planet listed Nairobi as the best travel destination in 2024. This ranking, which came out last week was awash in major news sources locally and internationally, giving great attention to our city, despite its slight flaws. The respected travel adviser seems to like Nairobi for its “unique rhythms, wild safaris, impressive array of locally inspired restaurants, and steady rotation of arts and culture venues.”
Then we have our Kenya Revenue Authority, creating spoilers in this very positive occasion. A post on Monday, October 30, stating that travellers entering or leaving the country will be subjected to tax on any items worth roughly Sh75,000 and above, has been received with very heavy criticism, with people viewing it as backward, especially as the country works towards wooing investors and tourists.
The post on its official X account has since been brought down, but the post, even before that had already been shared across the world creating a sense of fear among Kenyans abroad and potential investors and tourists in equal measure, of their fate once they land at our international hubs and must face tough customs officers. Undoing this damage would perhaps need another lash from the Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary, Alfred Mutua, and some further friendlier explanation from Humphrey Wattanga Mulongo the Commissioner General for the Kenya Revenue Authority, through the same platform.
So, on one side, we are flying our Kenyan flag high, walking with our wonderful Kenyan armbands, talking so highly of our country, no matter our convictions and political inclinations. On the other hand, our government through respective bodies, is creating unfavourable policies that don’t attract visitors and development partners. So, let’s learn to issue well-timed statements, and not random odd and off-putting declarations during times, such as this week, when we are supposed to be ‘harvesting’.
The writer is a communications researcher and scholar, currently pursuing Peace and Development Work Studies in Sweden. She can reached at [email protected]
