Kenya aims to enhance security and boost tourism revenues

Lack of security and terrorism led to a 25 percent decrease in foreign tourists for Kenya, over the last two years only

The major set-back for the tourism sector had disastrous effects over the hotel business in Kenya.

According to the Kenya Tourism Board, the very popular African destination, known for its sandy beaches, safari tours and incredible wild life, lost a quarter of its foreign visitors.

Moreover, Kenya National Bureau of Statistics released a report showing that the hotel occupancy rate fell by 21.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2015.

After Al-Shabaab Somali terrorists attack years ago that left hundreds of people dead, the recent terrorism incidents in Lamu once more raises concerns of local tourism operators about the future number of foreign visitors, as well as about the effect on the country's economy and employment rates.

To combat these effects, the Kenyan government decided to boost the coast tourism and announced a Sh1.2 billion investment initiative to attract more tourists and save hoteliers and tour operators' businesses, to run until June 2018.

New Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala also had the initiative to make Kenya more accessible and lift landing taxes for the Moi International Airport in Mombasa and the Malindi Airport.

Additionally, infrastructure improvements and developments and enhanced security are among government's top priorities to regain the country's reputation prior the recent violent incidents, as one of the favorite African destination.