Kenya Tourism Federation assures tourists that country is secure

An umbrella body for the multi billion shilling tourism industry, Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF) has given an assurance to tourists wishing to visit Kenya that the nation is secure.

KTF National chairman, Mr Mohamed Hersi said in a statement availed to The Standard that it shall continue to operate its 24 hour safety and security centre in case of any occurrences as it seeks to ensure visitors safety.

''During the elections, we had over 100 vehicles positioned along all the major tourist routes to ensure that all our esteemed visitors were safe and there was no interruption to their itineraries,'' Hersi said.

He added that KTF has and shall continue to work closely with the Kenya Police Service and the special wing of the Tourist Police Unit (TPU).

''For all those planning an exciting holiday here, rest assured that all is well and that Kenya is currently enjoying one of the best tourism season after many years of a downturn,'' Hersi indicated.

The veteran tourism chief said that all the known tourism hot spots from the Great Mara, Narok, the Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, Samburu, Mombasa and the entire Coastal belt circuits were enjoying relative calm.

''Infact the greater Mara is enjoying a 90 per cent visitation. The only roar is from the lions roaming the plains and the thousands of wildebeest roaming the area,'' Hersi noted.

The KTF boss said that Nairobi has remained relatively calm and both airports, JKIA and Wilson operating without any disruptions.

''There are a few pockets of unrest reported in parts of Kibra and other slum areas within the city including lake side city of Kisumu but we do not anticipate any skirmishes going forward,'' he added.

Hersi said that by and large, the entire electoral process was given a clean bill by all the various international independent observers from the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), Commonwealth, African Union (AU) and the Carter Centre respectively.