Kenya’s tourism sector has soared beyond pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant economic rebound. According to the Ministry of Tourism, revenue surged by nearly a third in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Traditionally renowned for its wildlife parks and stunning Indian Ocean beaches, Kenya has attracted tourists from around the globe. A report disclosed by the ministry revealed that revenue reached 352.5 billion shillings (approximately $2.7 billion) last year.
Despite the increased number of visitors—reaching 1.95 million in 2023—the average per capita spending in US dollars witnessed a notable decline. The report attributed this decrease to the persistent depreciation of the Kenyan shilling against major currencies.
Before the onset of the pandemic, tourism contributed around $2.24 billion in 2019, with two million visitors accounting for about 10 percent of GDP.
Among the 2023 arrivals, Americans topped the list with 265,310 visitors, followed by Ugandans (201,623), Tanzanians (157,818), and 156,700 from the United Kingdom.
The ministry aims to attract 2.4 million tourists this year. In a bid to stimulate further tourism growth, Kenya’s immigration services introduced a simplified “visa-free” entry system, with the first batch of foreign tourists arriving in January.
