Small scale traders in Malindi now feel the impact of tourism recession

MALINDI, KENYA: Small scale traders at the Malindi Tourists market are now saying they are beginning to feel the impact of the recession in the tourism sector saying their financial fortunes have plummeted, tremendously, in the last two months.

The traders who sell curio items such as beaded sandals, necklaces, bangles, earrings and other wares mostly depend on tourists with the exemption of a few who also export their products to other countries.

The traders say that have earned very little returns from their businesses in the recent months with some of them opting to quit while others have sought employment in other sectors.

Ms. Anne Magere a stall owner at the Tourists Market says that business used to be brisk in the past especially during the high season from September until April. However, she has experienced poor sales lately due to a drop in the number of tourists visiting Malindi.

According to Anne, the situation has been made worse by the various terror attacks in parts of the Coast Region leading to fears among the visitors in visiting the area.

"When the season is on and business is good, I have been making Sh50, 000 on a monthly basis. However, for the last three months, I have only made Shs8,000 on the higher side. It has been bad for us. If the situation continues like this, I will have to look for an alternative source of income.

At the moment I cannot afford accommodation and food for my family as I used to in the
past. It is difficult as I still have to pay school fees for my four children as well," she said.

While the demand for the curios on the international market remains high, many of the small scale traders have no access to the requisite capital for expansion purposes.

The traders are also calling on local residents to promote the home industries which they feel would promote local businesses.

Mr. Kasirike Randu, a curio dealer at the market said that Kenyans should promote domestic tourism; that way they will be able to advertise their country to their friends.

The fact that they can promote local businesses goes a long way in creating opportunities for many other sectors in this County," he continues.

The tourism sector in Malindi continues to struggle as many hotel establishments have closed for extended periods.

Establishments such as Tropical Village, Coral Key, Coconut Village and Blue Key Beach Hotel remain closed affecting hundreds of employees who are declared redundant.

Those still open are operating with few bookings with tour operators calling for the promotion of conference tourism by the government as the only rescue solution for the industry.