Kenya is setting its sights on becoming Africa’s top travel destination, with plans to attract over 7.5 million international tourists by 2030, up from the 2.4 million recorded in 2024.
The government projects that by 2027, the country will have reached at least 5 million tourist arrivals, in line with President William Ruto’s vision to expand the tourism sector and boost Kenya’s global competitiveness.
Speaking in Kakamega during a public participation forum on the National Tourism Strategy (NTS) 2025–2030, State Department for Tourism Principal Officer Ishmael Chelang’a said a series of policy reforms and infrastructure improvements are underway to achieve this goal.
He cited the Kenya Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system and the Open Sky Policy as key interventions that have made travel easier and more accessible for international visitors.
“With the right measures in place, we aim to grow international tourism revenue from Ksh 452 billion in 2024 to Ksh 1.2 trillion by 2030,” Chelang’a stated.
Tourism, which currently supports more than 1.5 million jobs, is projected to create up to 2.5 million jobs by 2030. The government also hopes to increase the average stay for tourists from eight to twelve days, encouraging longer visits and higher spending.
“When visitors stay longer, they spend more and contribute more to the local economy. It’s upon us Kenyans to make their experience worth extending,” Chelang’a added.
The strategy also seeks to double domestic tourism from 5.17 million to 10 million bed nights, while tapping into the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market to boost business tourism.
Chelang’a urged counties to invest in conference facilities and hospitality infrastructure, noting that the number of internationally classified hotel beds is expected to rise from 26,786 in 2018 to 125,000 by 2030.
He highlighted the government’s focus on regional tourism circuits, with flagship projects such as a planned museum in Lodwar to preserve Turkana culture and attract visitors to northern Kenya.
To enhance tourist safety and data-driven planning, the government is strengthening the Tourism Police Unit, listing all licensed tour operators on a national portal, and setting up a Tourism Crisis Management Unit and Innovation Hub for better coordination and reliable information.
Chelang’a emphasized that improved infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and strategic partnerships with counties will play a central role in achieving the ambitious 2030 target positioning Kenya as a sustainable, safe, and world-class tourism destination.
