Kenya is planning to open up its aviation sector by easing restrictions on airlines and boosting the frequency of international flights, in a determined bid to nearly double annual tourist arrivals from 2.7 million to 5 million by 2028. The government has identified improved air access as central to achieving what would be a historic milestone for the country’s tourism industry.
Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok delivered the message on June 27 at the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC) Annual Symposium in Malindi, where he outlined the steps the state is prepared to take to transform Kenya into a more competitive global tourism destination. Bitok told industry leaders that air connectivity is among the most critical factors the government must address if the sector is to hit the target.
The PS also placed infrastructure squarely on the agenda, flagging short runways at Malindi and Diani airports as well as poor road networks in key tourism regions as bottlenecks that are currently limiting Kenya’s appeal to international visitors. Until these gaps are closed, he said, the country will continue to struggle against rival destinations that are investing heavily in accessibility.
“We are serious about doubling the number of tourist arrivals in Kenya by 2028. That means doing all we can to create an enabling environment, including improving the policy framework to support the industry’s growth,” Bitok told delegates. He also reminded the gathering of Kenya’s abundant natural assets — its wildlife, national parks, scenic landscapes and the Coast — which he said give the country the unique advantage of being able to attract tourists throughout the year rather than depending on a narrow holiday window.
The PS urged hotel owners and hospitality operators to safeguard the quality of visitor experiences, saying that the best advertisement for Kenya as a destination is a tourist who goes home impressed and passes the word on. Beyond service standards, he pushed for sustained investment in the sector’s human capital, calling on stakeholders to prioritise skills development, youth employment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices. “Our people continue to be our most valuable asset. We must continue to invest in skills development, youth empowerment, gender inclusion and fair labour practices throughout the industry,” he said.
KAHC Chairman Christopher Musau backed the government’s push for aviation reform, saying that a more flexible and open aviation policy would put Kenya in a stronger position to compete with destinations around the world that are already drawing far greater numbers of tourists each year.
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