The Kenya Tourism Federation has rejected former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s call for tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya until after the 2027 General Election. KTF warned that broad claims portraying the country as unsafe could weaken destination confidence, threaten livelihoods and create economic damage that lasts beyond the immediate political dispute.
The federation maintained that visitors are not participants in Kenya’s domestic political competition and continue to travel for wildlife, beaches, culture, conferences, hospitality and sporting events. However, its reassurance should not be interpreted as meaning that every part of Kenya is risk-free. Official travel guidance continues to recommend heightened caution nationally and identifies several specific areas where travel should be avoided.
Key Overview
- KTF rejected calls for tourists and investors to suspend travel to Kenya.
- Gachagua linked his warning to alleged political violence and insecurity.
- The federation said destination confidence takes years to build but can be damaged quickly.
- Tourism supports workers and businesses across accommodation, transport, agriculture, entertainment and travel services.
- Kenya earned KSh452.2 billion from tourism in 2024, according to figures cited by the tourism ministry.
- Current foreign travel guidance does not advise against visiting Kenya as a whole, although it identifies higher-risk regions and recommends increased caution.
KTF Warns Against Turning Tourism Into Political Collateral
KTF issued its response after Gachagua told tourists and foreign investors to postpone visits, arguing that alleged political instability had made the country unsafe. In its formal rebuttal to the remarks, the federation said political leaders have a right to express their views but should avoid statements capable of undermining sectors that support millions of livelihoods.
The organisation emphasised that tourists visit Kenya for experiences unrelated to domestic political contests. It listed wildlife, coastal destinations, cultural attractions, conferences and sporting events among the reasons international visitors travel to the country.
KTF also warned that tourism depends heavily on perception. Destination confidence is developed through sustained marketing, strong international partnerships and positive visitor experiences. Once damaged, that confidence can take years to restore, even when the political circumstances that caused the concern change quickly.
Gachagua Links Warning to Political Violence Claims
Gachagua made the comments during a Sunday church service at ACK St. Thomas Cathedral in Kerugoya. He urged tourists and investors to stay away until the following year, claiming that the presence of political “goons” and rogue police officers had increased insecurity.
His call to suspend visits followed the July 16 Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election, which was won by a candidate from his Democracy for the Citizens Party. Gachagua alleged that violence during the contest had been sponsored by the government. Those allegations remain political claims and were not established as fact in the reports reviewed for this article.
The electoral commission subsequently announced a post-election review to assess the conduct of the vote and identify lessons for the 2027 General Election. The commission also urged political leaders and the public to promote peace and issue-based politics.
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Tourism Confidence Has Broad Economic Consequences
KTF’s response focused on the sector’s extensive supply chain. Visitor spending supports hotel employees, tour guides, drivers, airlines, travel agents, artisans, farmers, entertainers, beach operators and numerous small businesses.
The financial exposure is significant. Kenya generated KSh452.2 billion in tourism earnings in 2024, representing a 20% increase from the previous year, according to figures provided by the tourism ministry. Tourism also remains an important source of foreign currency alongside tea exports and remittances.
Negative political messaging can therefore have consequences beyond hotels and safari operators. A slowdown in bookings can reduce demand for food supplies, transport, entertainment, conservation activities and locally produced goods across several counties.
Reassurance Does Not Remove the Need for Precaution
KTF’s position challenges the claim that tourists should avoid Kenya entirely, but travellers should still make decisions using current official guidance. The United States presently classifies Kenya at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and health risks.
That guidance advises against travel to several border, coastal and northern areas, while recommending reconsideration of travel to specific Nairobi neighbourhoods. It also warns that demonstrations can disrupt roads and sometimes become violent.
The distinction is important: Kenya is not subject to a blanket nationwide “do not travel” advisory, but neither should risks be dismissed. Visitors should monitor local developments, avoid demonstrations, use established operators and review destination-specific guidance before travelling.
Protecting Kenya’s Tourism Brand
KTF called on leaders across the political divide to advance their agendas without placing tourism and other economically important sectors at risk. Its central argument is that Kenya’s destination brand is a national asset built through years of investment by government agencies, private companies, workers and communities.
Political competition will intensify as the 2027 election approaches. Protecting tourism confidence will require public figures to distinguish legitimate security concerns from broad claims that could discourage travel across the entire country. Clear official information, proportionate safety advice and responsible political communication will be essential to preserving both visitor confidence and public trust.
Sources
Eastleigh Voice / Citizen Digital / Reuters / U.S. Department of State / People Daily
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