Kenya recorded a major rise in tourism arrivals after the number of international visitors hit 2.8 million by June 2026.
According to figures published by The Star, Kenya received 2,792,875 international visitors during the period, up from 1.48 million recorded in 2022.
The increase has also seen tourism earnings more than double, rising to KSh564 billion from KSh268 billion recorded in 2022.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the growth was driven by government interventions, destination marketing and partnerships between the government and private sector.
“Kenya’s tourism sector continues its remarkable trajectory, driven by intentional policy interventions, aggressive destination marketing, and strategic public-private partnerships,” Miano said.
She said the increase in visitors was benefiting Kenyans through jobs, businesses and improved livelihoods in communities that depend on tourism.
“Every arrival represents local jobs sustained, community livelihoods uplifted, and new economic opportunities generated across our travel circuits,” she said.
Miano said the government was now working towards its target of attracting five million international visitors every year.
She said Kenya would diversify its tourism products by promoting its cultural heritage, safari experiences and lifestyle tourism.
“As we accelerate our push toward our target of 5 million annual visitors, the Ministry remains committed to diversifying our tourism offerings by blending our rich cultural heritage, world-class safaris, and vibrant lifestyle experiences while prioritizing sustainable conservation,” Miano said.
The government has in recent years stepped up efforts to market Kenya as a tourism destination while encouraging the development of new tourism products across the country.
Miano said the growth was also a result of the efforts by tourism stakeholders, conservation teams, host communities and private sector players.
She thanked travellers and other stakeholders for continuing to choose Kenya as a tourism destination.
The latest figures come as the government seeks to increase tourism’s contribution to the economy by attracting more visitors and expanding the number of destinations beyond the traditional safari and beach circuits.