kenya Tourism Federation Statement 1st January 2008

The outcome of the recently concluded General Elections has led to violent demonstrations in many parts of the country since 30th December between crowds of demonstrators and the Police as well as violent clashes between supporters of different political groupings. The current situation is as follows:

In Nairobi:

The disturbances have been largely contained to some of the high density housing estates on the outskirts of Nairobi (e.g. Mathare, Eastleigh, Kibera, Huruma etc). These are areas not normally visited by tourists and all safari operators should ensure that they avoid these areas until the situation reverts to normal. Today these areas were calm and there were no incidents reported. The Police have undertaken to keep any further demonstrations away from the City Centre.

There is a strong Police presence along all the main roads and highways between the airports and the City hotels and as a result, tourist traffic is moving along these routes without a problem. The main roads and highways linking Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport and the Nairobi city hotels are also all secured and tourist vehicles are able to be driven along these routes as normal.

Safaris to the main game parks continue to operate as normal both by air and by road.

In Mombasa

The situation is similar in Mombasa with demonstrations also being confined largely to the housing estates and slums. The roads are clear but the Tourist Police Unit in Mombasa is providing an escort service between the hotels and the airport and is monitoring the route to ensure the safety of visitors.

Nairobi & Mombasa
There has been no disruption to flights and all scheduled airlines are flying as normal and the airports in Mombasa and Nairobi are operating normally.

Up Country
Through the KTF Safety and Communication Centre, the tourism industry had before the start of the electoral process established observer stations in key locations across the country and reports are flowing in to the Centre on a regularly basis. The roads to Tsavo, Amboseli, Nakuru, Laikipia and Samburu are all open and the situation is calm. However the areas beyond Nakuru to Eldoret , Kericho and Kisumu should be avoided as it is in these areas that riots and clashes have been taking place.

It is intended to continue to closely monitor the situation in the country and to advise of any significant changes as and when they may arise.

Chairman:-
Kenya Tourism Federation
Kenya Association of Tour Operators
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers
Kenya Association of Travel Agents
Kenya Association of Air Operators
Mombasa and Coast Tourism Association
Kenya Budget Hotels Association
Ecotourism Kenya