By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 4 December 2025 - Kenya’s tourism sector is enjoying a strong rebound this long school holidays, with Mombasa, Diani, and Kisumu recording sharp rises in hotel bookings, upgraded infrastructure, and tighter security.
Industry players in both regions say the upswing not only promises a bumper holiday season but also underscores the growing importance of domestic tourism in powering local economies.
In Mombasa, hotels are approaching full occupancy as families and holidaymakers flock to the coast. Speaking at a cake-mixing ceremony at Hotel Sapphire, General Manager John Yegon credited improved transport links and security for the boom.
“The new commuter meter-gauge railway connecting Miritini SGR terminus to the freshly built Mombasa CBD station has made it far easier and safer for visitors to reach the city,” he said.
He added that Mombasa’s mix of culture, history, coastal cuisine, unique accommodation, and sun-drenched beaches delivers a complete holiday package.
Environmental efforts are also paying off. Stakeholders have praised the county government’s aggressive city-cleaning campaign, which has made walking tours and beach visits far more pleasant.
“A clean and well-kept environment brings visitors back again and again,” Yegon noted.
Mombasa County CEC for Tourism, Mohamed Osman, renewed calls for greater use of Moi International Airport and more direct international flights.
He revealed that although the airport handled 2.5 million international passengers last year, only 8% arrived on direct routes — a missed opportunity to grow arrivals further.
In Diani, tourists are having fun, with beach games, cultural displays, and camel rides.
Over on the lakeside, Kisumu is experiencing a similar festive-season lift. Kisumu County Executive for Tourism Farida Salim said most hotels are already seeing early bookings from domestic travellers eager to enjoy Lake Victoria’s beauty.
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“The city is fast becoming the go-to destination for those seeking relaxation blended with authentic cultural experiences,” she said.
Robinson Anyal, Chairman of the Kisumu Hoteliers Association, welcomed the surge but stressed the need for sustained security.
“We appreciate the strengthened policing across the county, but we urge officers to stay extra vigilant throughout the long school holidays so that guests and residents alike feel completely safe,” he said.
The parallel growth in Mombasa and Kisumu shows how domestic tourism is becoming a vital economic engine.
Hotels, restaurants, transport providers, tour guides, and artisans all feel the direct benefit of increased local spending, while the sector helps diversify regional economies and reduces over-dependence on foreign visitors from abroad.
Analysts note that the long school holidays in December typically inject hundreds of millions of shillings into local businesses, create seasonal jobs, and give small enterprises a crucial year-end boost.
From beach resorts to lakeside lodges, curio sellers to boat operators, the ripple effect is felt widely.
Beyond the money, domestic travel fosters cultural pride and understanding as Kenyans explore their own country’s heritage, cuisine, and landscapes.
Ongoing investments in railways, roads, hotels, and cleanliness are making these destinations more accessible and appealing than ever.
As the long school holidays continue, tourism leaders in both cities are confident that sustained promotion and infrastructure upgrades will cement Mombasa, Diani, and Kisumu as must-visit domestic hotspots for years to come.
