Tourism Regulatory Authority launches nationwide crackdown on unlicensed operators
The move comes amid growing concerns over rogue drivers, harassment of visitors, and vehicles operating without valid licences, which officials say pose a direct risk to the safety and reputation of the country’s tourism industry.
Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched a nationwide crackdown targeting unlicensed and non-compliant operators, with the operation kicking off at Sekenani in the Maasai Mara.
The move comes amid growing concerns over rogue drivers, harassment of visitors, and vehicles operating without valid licences, which officials say pose a direct risk to the safety and reputation of the country’s tourism industry.
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TRA officials said the exercise is part of wider efforts to bring order to the sector and ensure both domestic and international tourists are protected.
“This operation is going on countrywide. We are here in the Maasai Mara. We need to ensure that we all operate in line with the regulations and the tourism regulatory authority. We are ready to work with all of you to make sure that we list all the licensed operators on our website for easy confirmation from international clients and also our Kenyans,” a TRA official said.
The authority is working closely with counties, law enforcement agencies, and local communities to enforce the rules.
An official from the Narok County Government said the county is committed to supporting the initiative.
“Narok County is ready to collaborate with the TRA with the local community enforcing the law. All I urge the local guides basically to ensure that they have all the requirements,” the official stated.
Security agencies have also been deployed to support the crackdown.
“It is our mandate to ensure that tourists are safe. Today, we partner up with the county government and the Tourism Regulatory Authority to ensure that all the vehicles that are carrying our tourists are compliant,” a security officer said.
The operation has been welcomed by sector players who believe it will restore order and protect Kenya’s image as a top global destination.
“I support this initiative, and they ought to have done it months in advance, or they should be doing it regularly, because we want sanity in the tourism industry,” one advocate said.
Last week, TRA stationed officials along the Ewaso Nyiro–Sekenani route to intercept and inspect tour vans suspected of flouting licensing rules. Group CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides Association, Kennedy Kaunda, warned that unqualified and unlicensed operators were a danger to the sector.
“There are people who are not genuine operating in this sector. That is why there is a crackdown. It’s dangerous because tourists are very delicate. If you treat them with unprofessionalism, it will hurt the industry,” Kaunda said.
Officials confirmed the enforcement will go beyond licensing checks to ensure that guides and drivers are properly trained and certified.
The TRA said those found breaking the law will face fines and possible legal action, stressing that regular updates of licensed operators will be published online for transparency and easy verification.
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