Tourism, Kenya’s biggest export earner, was much damaged by the violence that erupted after the January election.
Visitor numbers, which had been running at record levels with 2 million arrivals in 2007, slumped by 44 per cent in the immediate aftermath of the post-election violence that saw 1200 people die and more than 150,000 displaced.
The Kenyan Government has used the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town to announce a “national makeover” in response to the damage done to the country’s image.
“We are coming here after going through a very trying period in our country’s history, to come and announce here that Kenya is up and running once again, that Kenya is ready to do business,” Prime Minister Raila Odinga told the forum.
Odinga also flagged plans to expand Kenya’s tourism infrastructure beyond its traditional bases of wildlife and beaches.
Trevor Fernandes, whose family has owned and operated Wildlife Safari out of Nairobi for 36 years, welcomes the government initiative, reiterating the message that life in Kenya and for the tourism industry is back to normal. “Yes, numbers were down initially across the industry, but the bookings are coming again,” says Fernandes, who now lives in Perth.
“The impression at the time was that Kenya was in chaos but the reality was that the problem was restricted to certain areas, areas where tourists never go. Not one tourist was hurt and the national parks were not affected at all.
“It is important this message gets out for the entire country’s sake. Tourism is crucial to the nation’s wellbeing.”
Wildlife Safari has instituted a buy-a-blanket scheme to help those dislocated by January’s violence. For every safari it sells this year, Wildlife Safari will donate 500 locally made blankets to those in need.
“If you operate in Kenya and love the country, you must do these things,” says Fernandes. “And if you can’t come to Kenya, I urge you to buy Kenyan tea and coffee. It all helps.”
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