Kenya Targets Sh1 Trillion Tourism Revenue by 2027
Nairobi, Kenya — August 10, 2025
Kenya is set to leverage intra-African tourism under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to grow the sector to Sh1 trillion annually by 2027, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced at the 15th Magical Kenya Travel Expo at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. He described tourism as a cornerstone of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and a key driver for transport, logistics, trade, investment, and MSMEs.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Kenya’s tourism sector contributed Sh1.2 trillion in 2025, accounting for over 7% of GDP, and supports at least 1.7 million jobs. Infrastructure developments such as the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Highway, Standard Gauge Railway expansion, Lamu Port project, and increased international flights are boosting sector growth.
Deputy President Kindiki highlighted emerging tourism offerings, including astro-tourism in Samburu, desert safaris in Chalbi, and tech-driven experiences linked to Kenya’s Silicon Savannah.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano reported that in 2024, the sector earned Sh452 billion from 2.4 million international arrivals, with domestic tourism contributing over 10 million bed nights. She emphasized priorities such as attracting investment, scaling up global marketing, and building capacity to sustain service standards. Reforms including visa openness and electronic travel authorizations for all African countries have made Kenya highly accessible.
Principal Secretary for Tourism John Lekakeny Ololtuaa added that the government is mapping tourist attractions, promoting cross-border collaboration, and integrating cultural and creative economy initiatives to diversify offerings.
Kenya continues to position itself as a leading destination for sustainable and inclusive tourism, leveraging infrastructure, policy support, and private-sector partnerships