By: Lezen Barnaba
President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to boosting Kenya’s tourism industry by enhancing infrastructure and attracting more international visitors.
During his visit to Mombasa, President Ruto officially welcomed the Norwegian Dawn, a 294-meter-long luxury cruise ship carrying over 2,200 tourists, signaling renewed confidence in Kenya’s coastal tourism sector.
Speaking at the Port of Mombasa, Ruto emphasized the government’s strategic investments in tourism promotion, infrastructure development, and policy reforms to position Kenya as a premier global destination.
“We are investing in quality infrastructure, marketing Kenya strategically, and improving our tourism experiences to attract more visitors. This will bring in foreign investments, create jobs, and grow our economy,” he stated.
The arrival of Norwegian Dawn is expected to provide an economic boost to Mombasa and its surroundings, with visitors exploring local attractions, cultural sites, and businesses.
Tourism stakeholders praised the government’s initiatives, citing improved port facilities, road networks, and ongoing efforts to diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings beyond traditional beach destinations.
President Ruto outlined plans to promote eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and adventure tourism as part of a broader effort to expand the industry. He urged local businesses to capitalize on the influx of visitors by offering high-quality services that reflect Kenya’s unique heritage.
“Our tourism industry has great potential. We must work together to ensure visitors have the best experience so they can keep coming back and also recommend Kenya to others,” he added.
Local leaders and tourism officials welcomed the President’s visit, highlighting the need for continued investment in transport infrastructure, including roads and airports, to support sector growth.
The Kenya Ports Authority has been enhancing facilities at the Port of Mombasa to accommodate more cruise ships, with several expected to dock in the coming months.
President Ruto concluded his visit by reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships that will unlock new opportunities in the tourism industry.