The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's call for foreign tourists and investors to stay away from Kenya, warning that such remarks could damage the country's tourism industry, threaten jobs and undermine investor confidence.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the comments were irresponsible because they undermined the efforts of the government and industry stakeholders to market Kenya as a leading tourism destination and attract international visitors.
In a statement issued on Monday, Bitok said the State Department for Tourism had noted with concern recent remarks urging foreign visitors and investors to avoid Kenya over alleged security concerns.
He said Gachagua's statements were unfortunate and risked undermining years of investment in branding, marketing and destination promotion aimed at strengthening the country's tourism sector.
Bitok noted that Kenya welcomed about 2.7 million international visitors last year and remains on course to achieve its target of five million international arrivals by 2028. He said the continued growth in visitor numbers reflects international confidence in Kenya's tourism industry.
The Principal Secretary added that tourism remains one of Kenya's key economic sectors, contributing nearly 10 per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product and injecting about Sh1.7 trillion into the economy last year.
According to the ministry, the sector also supports nearly two million jobs directly and indirectly, providing livelihoods for people working in hotels, transport services, tour companies, cultural enterprises and conservation activities across the country.
Bitok warned that statements which erode confidence in Kenya as a destination could put those jobs and economic gains at risk because millions of livelihoods depend on a thriving tourism industry.
He said the global tourism market is highly competitive and that travellers often base their decisions on perceptions of safety and stability, meaning remarks not supported by facts can damage a country's reputation and reduce visitor numbers.
"These remarks are unfortunate and irresponsible. They undermine the concerted efforts by the Government and stakeholders across the tourism value chain, to strengthen our tourism sector through carefully designed branding, marketing, and destination promotion initiatives," the statement said.
The ministry said Kenya has spent years building its reputation as a premier tourism destination and should not allow negative portrayals that do not reflect the experiences of millions of visitors to undermine that progress.
Bitok also urged political leaders to keep tourism out of political disputes, saying the sector is a national asset that supports businesses and families across the country.
He said safeguarding Kenya's image is a shared responsibility that should transcend political differences, noting that any decline in visitor confidence would primarily affect ordinary Kenyans whose businesses and incomes depend on tourism.
The Principal Secretary said the government would continue working with local and international tourism stakeholders to ensure Kenya remains a safe and attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
He added that close collaboration between the government and the private sector would remain critical to sustaining confidence in Kenya's tourism industry and maintaining growth in international arrivals.
The ministry also encouraged tourists and investors to continue choosing Kenya for leisure travel, business, investment and adventure, assuring them that the government remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment throughout their stay.
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