Kenya’s tourism industry has recorded a major rise in earnings, with revenue reaching Sh564 billion in the 2025/26 financial year as visitor activity expanded sharply over the past four years.
The latest figures show that the sector generated Sh224 billion in 2021/22, meaning earnings increased by Sh340 billion during the period. Total tourism activity also rose from 5.21 million to 7.91 million, representing a 51.8 per cent increase.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said the performance reflects the recovery and expansion of the industry during President William Ruto’s four years in office.
"Reflecting on the four years of His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto’s William Samoei Ruto dedicated stewardship, Kenya’s tourism and wildlife sector stands as a testament to strategic vision, economic resilience, and unprecedented growth," said Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano in her release.
Miano said the Government had worked to open Kenya to more travellers while also ensuring that the gains from tourism were felt by ordinary Kenyans.
"Our collective journey over the four years has radically revitalized Magical Kenya, delivering record-breaking tourism revenue and a surge in both international and domestic visitor arrivals. By opening new horizons for global travelers through seamless access and targeted marketing, we have ensured that the direct financial benefits of this growth reach everyday Kenyans."
International travel has been at the centre of the increase, with foreign arrivals rising from 1.21 million in 2021/22 to 2.76 million in 2025/26.
The domestic market has also provided a strong base for the industry, with domestic bed nights increasing from four million to 5.15 million over the same period.
The rise in local travel shows the growing role played by Kenyans in supporting hotels, attractions and other businesses linked to tourism.
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said the combined growth in foreign and domestic travel had helped strengthen the sector and increased its contribution to the wider economy.
Tourism continues to support a wide range of economic activities, providing jobs and business opportunities while bringing in foreign exchange and attracting investment.
The industry also supports livelihoods across hospitality, transport, entertainment and conservation, with communities in tourism destinations benefiting from increased visitor activity.
The Government has continued to promote Kenya through the Magical Kenya brand as it seeks to attract more visitors to the country's beaches, wildlife reserves, cultural sites and other destinations.
There has also been a push to widen the country's tourism offering and reduce reliance on the traditional safari experience.
New areas receiving attention include Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), cultural tourism, sports tourism and coastal tourism.
The Ministry said these emerging areas provide additional opportunities to attract visitors while giving travellers more reasons to explore different parts of the country.
The latest performance comes after the tourism industry suffered major losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted international travel and forced many hospitality businesses to operate under difficult conditions.
The increase in tourism activity over the four-year period marks a strong recovery from that disruption, with the industry now recording higher visitor numbers and earnings.
Total tourism activity increased by 2.7 million during the period, moving from 5.21 million in 2021/22 to 7.91 million in 2025/26.
The increase has also created room for greater investment in tourism infrastructure, facilities and new experiences as Kenya seeks to maintain its position as a leading destination.
The Ministry said the gains were being felt through employment, higher incomes and more opportunities for communities whose livelihoods depend on the industry.
With international arrivals now at 2.76 million and domestic bed nights at 5.15 million, the Government is expected to continue investing in measures aimed at keeping the sector on an upward path.
The strong performance places tourism among the sectors expected to continue supporting economic activity through jobs, investment, foreign exchange earnings and business growth.
The next challenge will be to maintain the current pace while expanding tourism products and ensuring that more Kenyans and local communities benefit from the industry's continued growth.