NAIROBI: The government has announced that Kenya's tourism is thriving again as the country welcomed 7.5 million tourists, both international and domestic, in 2024. This marks a 14.6 percent growth compared to the 2 million tourists received in 2023.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya recorded 5.1 million domestic bed occupancies in 2024, up from 4.6 million in 2023, marking a 12 percent increase. Speaking at his office in Nairobi, government spokeswoman Dr. Isaac Mwaura noted that this figure does not include bed occupancies in unregistered accommodation facilities and homestays, which are estimated to account for 10 percent of total bed occupancy.

Dr. Mwaura stated, "Combined bed occupancy grew by 16 percent from 8.6 million in 2023 to 10 million in 2024." Further, he revealed that inbound tourism earnings rose to Kshs. 452.20 billion, reflecting a 19.79 percent growth compared to 2023.

Dr. Mwaura added that the United States remained Kenya's largest source market, accounting for 12.8 percent of the total arrivals, followed by Uganda (9.42%), Tanzania (8.49%), the United Kingdom (7.5%), India (5.5%), Italy (3.8%), China (3.8%), and Germany (3.7%).

The government spokesperson disclosed that the leading purpose of travel to Kenya in 2024 was for holiday and leisure at 44.2 percent, followed by business and conferences at 26.9 percent, and visits to friends and relatives at 22 percent. He also projected that Kenya is expecting to receive 3 million tourists in 2025, following the steady recovery of the tourism sector under the current administration.

"A majority of our inbound tourists for the year 2024 (67.8%) entered our country through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which has now doubled immigration booths, increased personnel, and established e-Gates, among other software and infrastructural upgrades," said Dr. Mwaura.