Government to classify hotels nationwide to boost tourism sector

The Kenyan government is set to undertake a nationwide hotel classification exercise to boost the tourism sector.

According to Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, the classification is crucial in elevating the status of hotels and ensuring quality assurance of services to attract more tourists. Ololtuaa stated that the program to classify all hotels will be conducted in the financial year 2024/2025.

Speaking at Neptune Beach Hotel in Diani during the 20th symposium for the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC), Ololtuaa said the exercise will be conducted by the Tourism Authority Board using the East African Classification Criteria, which has been approved by the East African Community.

The symposium was attended by hotel keepers and other tourism stakeholders from the Coast. The EAC criteria cover town and vacation hotels, lodges, tented camps, motels, villas, cottages, and serviced apartments.

"Classification is crucial because it gives hotels the mark of quality and makes it easy for tourists to know what we have as a country," said Ololtuaa.

The hotels will be classified as either five, four, or three-star hotels, making them easier to identify and market. This exercise will prompt hotels to maintain their standards and enhance service delivery.

"The government is determined to improve the tourism industry and will do all it takes to bring back its lost glory," Ololtuaa stated.

The exercise aims to increase the number of both domestic and international tourists from the current two million to five million by 2027. Ololtuaa added that the exercise will also ensure that hotels and workers meet the required operational standards to provide tourists with first-class services.

"The government plans to improve quality hospitality skills in public and private colleges to raise hotel and staff standards," he said.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani addressing the press outside Neptune Beach Hotel hall in Diani. (Photo: Mishi Gongo)

He added that the Tourism Ministry is also looking forward to tapping into medical tourism to keep the sector afloat. "We have so many patients from East Africa coming to our country for specialised treatment," he said.

At the same time, Ololtuaa applauded tourism stakeholders for creating employment for many youths in the country.

"In tourism, that is a plus because for us to be able to attract international and domestic tourists, there must be proper accommodation and conference facilities that they are going to use," he said.

The PS noted that the tourism sector has recorded significant growth from 2022 when 1.4 million tourists visited the country, earning Sh268 billion. "We hope to grow from the current two million to five million by 2027," he said.

The PS further revealed that they have launched a program with County Governments to develop unique tourist attraction sites in the counties.

He assured Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani of the government's commitment to supporting the construction of a convention centre in the Matuga sub-county.

Governor Fatuma said they have invested in developing Kwale as a prime tourist destination through the opening up of beach access roads, construction of washrooms, pedestrian walkways, and enhancement of beach safety through the employment of lifeguards and Tourism Enforcement Officers.

The establishment of a Conference and Cultural Centre, christened Bomas of Kwale, is one of Governor Fatuma's flagship projects.

"We also intend to put up a tourist market in Diani. In addition, we are optimistic about developing Kongo Beach into a Halal Beach to boost religious tourism," she added.