A KTF Delegation comprising of Lucy Karume (KTF Chairman), J.S. Vohra (KAHC Chairman), Adam Jillo (KATO Chairman) and their three respective CEO’s yesterday (23rd May) met with the Deputy President H.E. Hon. William Ruto, at his office. In attendance was also the Tourism Cabinet Secretary and the Governor of Narok County, Mr. Samuel Tunai and the KTB Managing Director, Muriithi Ndegwa.

The meeting came immediately after the industry had just formally welcomed the new Cabinet Secretary and as such, the “burning issues” were already being looked into by the Cabinet Secretary. 

The meeting however still deliberated on several key issues, which the Ministry of Tourism will be addressing and sought support from the Deputy President. H.E. Hon. William Ruto reaffirmed that he has a passion for tourism and Kenya was still very far away from realizing its true potential.

Key issues discussed at the meeting were: -

1. Poaching – is about to be elevated to an “economic crime” with very severe penalties (capital offence).

2. Wildlife Bill - will be fast-tracked and concluded.

3. Marketing – The Government is committed to turning around tourism and the marketing budget will be increased by up to three times the present allocation.

4. Infrastructure - The Deputy President informed the KTF Delegation that he had directed the Narok-Sekenani road should be immediately be made motorable and maintained that way as plans are concluded to upgrade it to tarmac status.

5. Rogue Operators – to be dealt with.

The Deputy President also raised a concern with the manner in which Kenya was being offered as a “cheap destination” by some operators through undercutting. The relevant sections of the law will be applied to eradicate illegal operations.