High Tourism Turnout Despite Poll Fears

Tourist arrivals crossed the 100,000 mark in July for the first time in four years, defying the gloom that was expected with the electioneering period ahead of the August 8 poll.

Official data shows 105,241 foreigners landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the Moi International Airport, reflecting a 17.5 per cent rise over a similar period last year.

The last time that July visitor numbers were higher was in 2013 when 123,812 foreigners flew into Kenya.

“Since July, large numbers of tourists have been flocking to the Mara to catch a glimpse of the wildebeest migration spectacle. Even now, lodge and camps in the Mara are busy,” said Kenya Tourism Board chairman Mr Jimi Kariuki.

At the Coast, hotels are enjoying occupancy of up to 70 per cent.

Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa managing director Bobby Kamani, said tourist bookings for November and December are set to rise if the repeat presidential poll could be conducted peacefully.