President Uhuru Kenyatta announces strategy to boost tourism

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced major incentives to revitalise the tourism industry at the Coast.

The President, who was flanked by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala, said the Government had set aside Sh1.2 billion incentives for charter planes to stimulate demand at the Coast by that category of tourists.

President Uhuru Kenyatta opens English Point Marina in Mombasa yesterday. Looking on is Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho (left), Tourism CS Najib Balala and the resort's Director Alnoor Kanji. (PHOTO: OMONDI ONYANGO/STANDARD)

The strategy includes landing fee waiver to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Malindi Airport with effect from this month, which lasts for 18 months to help the industry recover fully.

According to the Government, the strategy is aimed at boosting and stimulating Charter Airlines to fly to the Coast. A Sh3,060 tourist subsidy will also begin this month.

President Kenyatta was speaking yesterday when he opened a Sh5 billion English Point marina in Mombasa, one of the most magnificent tourist resorts between Cape Town in South Africa and Cairo in Egypt. Tourism stakeholders and political leaders were upbeat about the unique facility, saying it showcased Mombasa as a tourist and investment hub.

"This will encourage those already flying in to increase the frequency of their flights," said President Kenyatta, adding that visa fees for children under 16 will also be waived with effect from February 1.

To bring park entry fees down, President Kenyatta directed the Treasury Cabinet Secretary to initiate amendment of the VAT Act and incorporate the amendments in the Finance Bill for financial year 2016/2017.

"With this measure, the Kenya Wildlife Service will cap the park entry fees at Sh6,000, down from Sh9,000," said the Head of State.

Also present were Environment Cabinet Secretary Cabinet Judi Wakhungu, her Water counterpart Eugene Wamalwa, Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho, Lamu Senator Abu Chiaba, Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko and MPs Gideon Mung'aro, Gonzi Rai and Naomi Shaban.

The President also said the waiver of the landing fees at Mombasa and Malindi airports for charter planes will be extended to June 30, 2018.

"In return, I must ask all players to respond to these initiatives and to the ongoing consultations with the seriousness they deserve," he said.

He said the Government has also supported tourism in three key areas: infrastructure, security and renewal of partnerships with stakeholders in the industry.

"The improvements in security are there for all to see. We dare not allow that momentum to be lost," he said.

He also cited the launch of the construction of the Port-Reitz-Airport Road and the planned Dongo Kundu bypass – that will allow tourists to get from the mainland to the South Coast without using the ferry as a measure to promote tourism.

The Government also announced plans to upgrade Garsen-Lamu road and the Malindi-Sala gate road leading to the Tsavo East, which are meant to boost tourism at the Coast.

Balala praised the President's commitment to the tourism revival strategy, saying the future looks bright.