Kenya is intensifying efforts to attract more tourists by enhancing travel infrastructure and fostering regional collaboration, officials announced at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in Uganda.

Speaking at the event, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, emphasized the government's focus on improving air and land connectivity across East Africa and simplifying visa processes to facilitate tourism growth.

"Expanding air routes, upgrading infrastructure, and streamlining visa procedures will not only increase visitor numbers but also enrich the travel experience," Miano stated.

Infrastructure Expansion and Tourism Growth

Kenya is actively upgrading airport capacity, improving road and rail networks, and expanding high-speed internet access to make remote destinations more accessible, catering to digital-savvy travelers.

These advancements have already boosted tourism and trade, with Africa contributing 40.8% of international tourist arrivals in Kenya in 2024. Uganda led the African market with 31.7%, followed by Tanzania (28.5%), Somalia (11.4%), and Rwanda (9.2%).

To maintain momentum, Kenya aims to raise tourist arrivals from Uganda by 27% to 300,000 by the end of 2025, officials noted.

Strategic Partnerships and Promotion

Kenya is collaborating with the private sector to improve infrastructure and streamline immigration services, which Miano highlighted as essential for Kenya’s global tourism competitiveness.

At the expo, Kenya Airways Uganda Country Manager, Felix Mwangangi, revealed that the airline is running joint marketing campaigns with the Kenya Tourism Board and tour operators to drive regional travel demand.

Kenya Airways currently operates four weekly flights between Kenya and Uganda and remains flexible in adjusting capacity based on demand.

"Ugandan travelers are showing increasing interest, and we expect this momentum to grow ahead of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo in Nairobi, scheduled for October 1 to 3," Mwangangi stated.

Emerging Coastal Destinations

At Kenya’s coast, Kilifi County is becoming a top choice for Ugandan tourists, particularly for beach holidays, golf tourism, weddings, and honeymoons, according to Adrian Baya, Chief Officer for Tourism in Kilifi County.

Vipingo Ridge, home to Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course, is a major attraction, with Kilifi’s tourism strategy now focused on connecting local and Ugandan tour operators to expand marketing reach and strengthen partnerships.