The tourism sector can help Kenya emerge from the economic crisis that triggered the protests.
Never more than at this time, aiming at the upcoming season that foresees important bookings from all over the world for safaris and the sea and that will gradually come into full swing until the climax of the end of the year, there is a need for stability, because a good part of the annual default that the Ruto government would have liked to fill with new taxes to the detriment of citizens and businesses in the area, can be covered by the international travellers who choose this country.
The figures for 2023 speak for themselves, almost three billion dollars have entered the state coffers, that is three quarters of the budget.
The Minister of Tourism, Alfred Mutua, who released a document to the media explaining his sector's strategies, is also convinced of this.
'We are among the largest employers in the country,' Mutua writes, 'with 80 per cent of employees young. That is why when there is turbulence, not only the sector but the whole country suffers, resulting in job losses and the disruption of new employment opportunities'.
In the last two years, with the post-Covid recovery, Kenya has returned to host 2 million visitors and this year's forecast is closer to 3.
"Last year, the tourism sector contributed about 353 billion shillings to the Kenyan economy and this year has been on an upward trend. The target is to reach 700 billion shillings in the next few years,' continues the Minister of Tourism.

"We are fortunate that we have not suffered any serious damage or cancellations because of what is happening. However, if the instability continues, it will have a negative impact on the sector, leading to a reduction in our earnings, the possibility of job losses and the freezing of new opportunities especially for graduates who wish to enter the tourism and safari industry for their livelihood."
According to his ministry, a few uncertain travellers who have been putting off their choice on Kenya have, however, been joined by new bookings from those who believe in the security and stability of the country, and that the protests, even if they continue, are isolated.
"Kenya is open for tourism. It is a safe, amazing destination. The national parks, beaches, museums and all our wonders attract many visitors. Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Nakuru and Tsavo, among others at this time are fully booked and have not marked disruptions. In Mombasa and Diani the situation is monitored, there are eleven weekly flights to Diani and they are always full, charter flights to Mombasa continue and new ones will be added. The planes are leaving and arriving on time," said Mutua.

Among our compatriots who have been working in the sector for years, Pasquale Tiritò, owner of three resorts in Jacaranda Bay, calls on the government to deal with the youth for the good of the country and its tourism sector. "The opening of the tourist season is just around the corner. The hotels and the entire tourism sector need calm to return to the country. Generation Z, thugs, looters: it does not matter who is generating chaos.  With those who want to deal peacefully, please deal.  Be firm (without violence) with those who create disorder, but everything we have seen these days must end once and for all. We all risk that, besides a few thugs, the streets of Kenya will be invaded by hundreds of thousands of unemployed.