Our Achievements

A Journey Through Time

Establishment of the Tourist Police Unit

In the face of insecurity, KCTA led a major initiative to establish the Tourist Police Unit in 1980. This was a pivotal achievement that addressed safety concerns for tourists, offering peace of mind and helping to restore confidence in the region’s tourism industry.

Launch of the Beach Management Project

Understanding the significance of the coast’s beaches to tourism, KCTA launched the Beach Management Project with support from UNWTO. By December 2014, 550 beach operators had been trained, building a more professional and sustainable beach tourism sector. The initiative expanded to Lamu, training 80 more beach operators and tour guides to enhance visitor experiences.

Coast Branding Research

KCTA successfully conducted research on branding the Kenyan Coast, which was officially adopted by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) in 2012. This initiative laid the foundation for a unified approach to marketing the region as a premier tourist destination.

Stakeholder Collaboration

KCTA actively participates in various events and activities to showcase the potential of the region’s tourism. Collaborating with various stakeholders, we work to position the Coast as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Web Portal Development

KCTA secured funding to develop a web portal aimed at marketing the Kenyan Coast as a standalone destination. This platform is designed to boost traffic flow and improve the visibility of coastal tourism, and the project continues to evolve as a valuable marketing tool.

Digital Marketing

KCTA facilitated a series of digital marketing training sessions, including workshops with Google, to equip tourism stakeholders with the tools to enhance their online presence and reach a wider audience.

Kenya Power Engagement for Tourism Sector

KCTA has played a key role in facilitating engagement between tourism stakeholders and Kenya Power to improve energy services for the tourism industry. This initiative aims to ensure that energy is accessible and reliable, supporting businesses in providing uninterrupted services to tourists.

Partnership with SOLWODI

In partnership with SOLWODI, KCTA created a code of conduct for tackling child sex tourism, encouraging hotels to adopt responsible practices. This initiative is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of the region’s tourism environment.

Mombasa Water Resource

KCTA chairs the Mombasa Water Resource Users Association, a vital platform that brings together the private sector and investors in the water sector to ensure sustainable water resources for tourism businesses.

AIG Insurance Partnership

KCTA partnered with AIG Insurance to offer an alternative inbound insurance policy for U.K. tourists, covering terrorism-related incidents that were previously excluded from standard policies due to security concerns.

County Government Cooperation

Through the Governor’s Round Tables, KCTA has helped bridge the gap between the private sector and county governments, promoting inclusive, sustainable development, social cohesion, and regional stability.

Governor’s Round Tables

KCTA has been instrumental in organizing Governor’s Round Tables across the Coast region. These round tables provide an opportunity for local business sectors and residents to engage with governors and address issues related to service delivery and regional development.

Training of Beach Operators

In collaboration with Lamu, Kwale, and Mombasa counties, KCTA has provided extensive training for beach operators, tour guides, boat operators, and taxi drivers. In total, over 1,000 tourism workers have benefitted from these training sessions, which also include digital marketing workshops facilitated by Google.

Business Advocacy Fund Support

KCTA received support from the Business Advocacy Fund (BAF) to launch the Governor’s Round Tables across five counties in the Coast region: Kwale, Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta. These events facilitate continuous dialogue and collaboration between the private sector and county governments.

Concessions for Trade

Through persistent lobbying, KCTA successfully secured concessions from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) for private sector stakeholders, enabling greater participation in international trade fairs.