Tourism is very important to Kenyans because it brings in much needed boost to our national revenue as well as boosting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Whether it’s the government or the local boda-boda or tuk-tuk driver, we all benefit from tourism especially in the coastal areas of Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Kilifi and Lamu.
Apart from the fishing industry, tourism is the leading means of livelihood for many youth in Watamu for instance, if you are uneducated, you are a beach boy or if educated you are a Manager in a Hotel; both are directly depending on the tourist for survival every household has someone who benefits directly from the tourism industry thus keeping the extended families care for.
Tourism is also very sensitive issue for many because any slight fluctuation in arrival of tourists means reduced incomes for many. Malindi has suffered a lot in the past years due to reduced Italian arrivals and has almost turned in to a ghost town. That is why the government needs innovative ways to always keep the tourism sector thriving and vibrant. Things like better infrastructure, good roads, good international airport in Malindi would boost the arrival of more tourists from Italy. We also have to capture the local market as well as attract African communities living all over Africa. In deed, the new trend to succeed is to rely on the local tourists and the African themselves. In this way, we can say we are independent and self-reliant. Looking for solutions to our problems within ourselves.
We start by keeping our beaches clean and safe by organizing weekly mandatory community beach cleanup exercise and the government/private sector must subsidize workers so they can travel affordably to tourism destinations all over the country at least quarterly. Let’s make tourism appeal to both local and international market. Once we learn to value and respect our rich ancestry, then others will further be attracted to what Kenya has to offer as a whole. it is a joint effort to make impact worldwide and be known as the most suitable destination for all.
