Kenya’s tourism sector recorded a strong recovery in 2024, with international visitor arrivals rising by 14.7 percent to 2.39 million, driven by strategic interventions and increased global confidence in the country as a travel destination.
According the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics 2025 Economic Survey, the sector’s performance was bolstered by a range of factors, including enhanced marketing efforts, improved infrastructure, and the hosting of major international events.
"The improvement is mainly attributed to strategic interventions adopted during the year. In 2024, the number of accredited hotels stood at 904 of which 289 were gold rated, 317 silver rated and 298 bronze rated," reads the report.Accommodation services also expanded significantly during the year. Hotel bed-night occupancy increased by 18.9 percent to reach 10.26 million, reflecting the growing demand for lodging.
Conference tourism posted moderate gains, with international conferences up by 2.3 percent to 999 events, while local conferences rose by 4.7 percent to 11,225. The increase was largely supported by the surge in visitor numbers and the successful hosting of high-profile meetings.
Cultural and educational tourism also saw a boost, with visits to museums, snake parks, and historical sites climbing by 6.9 percent to 1.15 million in 2024.
The sector’s strong performance underscores a broader recovery in Kenya’s economy and reinforces the importance of tourism as a key driver of national growth.
