Kenya’s tourism sector has recorded significant growth over the past four years, with total tourism activity rising by 51.8 per cent between the 2021/22 and 2025/26 financial periods.

Conversely, revenue has also grown by significant margins from Ksh224 billion ($1.73 billion) to Ksh564 billion ($4.4 billion) in the said period.

The conversion is based on current exchange rate of $1 = Ksh129.5.

The new figures released by ministry show that total tourism increased from 5.21 million in 2021/22 to 7.91 million in 2025/26, pointing to a strong recovery and expansion of the sector.

“Reflecting on the four years of President William Ruto’s dedicated stewardship, Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sector stands as a testament of strategic vision, economic resilience and unprecedented growth,” Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said in a press release.

According to the press release: “Our collective journey over the past four years has radically revitalised Magical Kenya, delivering record-breaking tourism revenue and a surge in both international and domestic visitor arrivals. By opening new horizons for global travellers through seamless access and targeted marketing, we have ensured that the direct financial benefits of this growth reach everyday Kenyans.”

The growth has been supported by an increase in both international arrivals and domestic tourism, with the government stepping up efforts to position Kenya as a leading destination for travellers.

According to the latest data, international arrivals rose to 2.76 million in 2025/26, compared with 1.21 million recorded in 2021/22. Domestic tourism has also continued to play a critical role in driving the sector, with domestic bed nights increasing from four million in 2021/22 to 5.15 million in 2025/26.

The performance highlights the growing importance of local travel alongside international tourism, with Kenyans increasingly exploring destinations within the country. The ministry said sustained growth in both domestic and international tourism was strengthening the sector and contributing to the wider economy.

Tourism remains a major contributor to Kenya’s economy through employment creation, foreign exchange earnings and investment and business opportunities across the hospitality, transport, entertainment and conservation sectors.

The latest figures come as Kenya continues to promote its diverse tourism products under the Magical Kenya brand, seeking to attract more visitors to the country’s beaches, wildlife parks, cultural sites and other attractions.

The sector’s recovery has also been supported by increased focus on domestic tourism and efforts to diversify Kenya’s tourism products beyond traditional wildlife safaris.

The government places emphasis on new and emerging tourism segments, including Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), cultural tourism, sports tourism and coastal tourism.

The figures also point to the resilience of the sector following the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely affected global travel and hospitality businesses. The rise from 5.21 million total tourism activity in 2021/22 to 7.91 million in 2025/26 represents a major turnaround and provides fresh impetus for continued investment in tourism infrastructure and products.

The ministry said the growth was translating into broader economic benefits, including jobs, higher incomes and increased opportunities for communities that depend on tourism. With international arrivals now at 2.76 million and domestic bed nights at 5.15 million, the government is expected to sustain efforts to make Kenya more competitive in the global tourism market.

The latest performance also reinforces the role of tourism as a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth, with the sector expected to remain central to efforts to create jobs, attract investment and generate prosperity.

The Government’s focus is now likely to shift towards sustaining the momentum while expanding Kenya’s tourism offering and ensuring that more communities benefit from the industry’s growth.

• A Tell Media report / By Murimi Mwangi