A tourism professional has recounted the tense overnight operation that saw a group of international students safely transported from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during the height of the recent matatu strike.
In a post shared on Facebook, Stellamaris Kathomi described how the situation unfolded after the students landed in Nairobi at night, just as the transport paralysis caused by the strike intensified.
Kathomi said her team first reached out to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) for assistance and was later referred to the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF).
However, they were informed that police officers were overwhelmed at the time and could not provide an escort.
Despite the setback, the team still had to ensure the students began their safari programme as planned.
“We had students arriving for a long safari and zero room for excuses. Clock ticking. Reputation on the line,” she wrote.
According to Kathomi, the team moved quickly to receive the students at the airport, collect their luggage and transport them safely to their accommodation in Nairobi before midnight.
She said the students were largely unaware of the logistical challenges unfolding behind the scenes.
“Before sunrise, they were on the move again. Cruisers rolling out while I stared at the GPS like a hawk. Then one vehicle stopped dead in Ruiru. My heart left my body,” Kathomi recalled.
She added that she kept communication calm and professional despite the pressure, assuring the tour guide that everything was under control.
The students eventually proceeded with their safari and are currently enjoying their conservancy tour.
Kathomi later reflected on the realities of working in the tourism industry, saying many people only see the glamorous side of the sector without understanding the pressure involved behind the scenes.
“People see tourism and think vacations, dollars, and pretty sunsets. What they don’t see is the sleepless nights, pressure, and near-heart attacks behind the scenes,” she wrote.
The incident happened during the nationwide transport operators’ strike, which disrupted movement across several parts of the country for two days as operators protested rising fuel prices and high operating costs.
The operators had demanded government intervention to lower fuel prices, arguing that the rising costs had made transport operations unsustainable and pushed fares beyond the reach of many Kenyans.
Although the strike was later suspended after negotiations with the government, operators warned that they could resume protests if long-term solutions are not implemented.
Kathomi’s account has since sparked reactions online, with many people in the tourism sector relating to the pressure of managing clients during emergencies.
One user, identified as @Mwacheti, commented: “Tourism industry is a sport. Until I see off my guests and say goodbye, that’s when my heart stops beating fast.”
Another user, @G Bankz Swai, wrote: “Sleepless nights until guests safely arrive in their country of origin, but it’s always worth it.”
@Roggie Kadenge added: “It definitely ain’t for the faint-hearted. Sacrifices that are made for things to happen should never go unnoticed.”
Meanwhile, @Gacheru Wa Magu credited tour drivers and guides for their efforts during such difficult situations.