By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 22 August 2026 - Tourism activity in Kenya rose by 51.8 per cent to 7.91 million in 2025/26 from 5.21 million in 2021/22, while sector revenue more than doubled to KSh 564 billion, according to Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.
“Tourism is no longer an option to be pursued when circumstances permit. It is a strategic pillar of our economic transformation agenda,” Miano said.
International tourist arrivals increased to 2.76 million in 2025/26 from 1.21 million in 2021/22, while domestic bed nights rose to 5.15 million from four million.
The figures underline the growing importance of tourism to Kenya’s economy, with the government seeking to use the sector to generate jobs, attract investment and earn foreign exchange.
Miano said the government was moving beyond Kenya’s traditional reliance on wildlife and beach tourism by expanding into conferences, cultural tourism, sports, adventure and other emerging markets.
The diversification is intended to spread tourism earnings across the country and reduce the sector’s exposure to seasonal and external shocks.
“More importantly, the sector has recorded significant momentum over the past two years,” Miano said, pointing to the rise in both international arrivals and domestic tourism.
Domestic tourism remains a key part of the strategy. The increase in domestic bed nights provides a larger local market capable of supporting the industry when international travel is disrupted by global economic or geopolitical shocks.
The government is also turning to technology and data to improve the visitor experience and strengthen decision-making across the sector.
Digital platforms are expected to make it easier for travellers to access information, make payments and engage tourism businesses, while better data should help government and investors identify emerging markets and opportunities.
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Miano said tourism expansion must also be matched by stronger wildlife conservation and greater benefits for communities living around protected areas.
“Kenya's wildlife is a national treasure and a critical economic asset,” she said.
The government therefore faces a dual task: expanding tourism while protecting the natural and cultural assets on which much of the industry depends.
Miano said the immediate priority was to sustain the sector’s recent momentum through investment in infrastructure, policy reforms and partnerships with the private sector.
“The question is no longer whether tourism can drive Kenya's economic transformation. The evidence is before us,” she said.
The challenge, she added, was to ensure that rising tourism revenues translate into jobs, stronger businesses, increased investment and wider economic opportunities for Kenyans.
Tourism Revenue More Than Doubles as Kenya Positions Sector at Heart of Economic Growth
CS Rebecca Miano says tourism is a strategic pillar of Kenya's economic transformation agenda.