Kenya: Africa's variety show

The Winds of Change

By Craig Rix

In the last 18 months there has been a major shift in attitude in Kenya. There is a new optimism that the country can return to being Africa's prime safari destination. There are some major hurdles to be overcome before this can be achieved, but much of the groundwork is now being done. Some of the advances made in the industry have included:

• A week-long workshop held last year to discuss the future of tourism. While there are too many divergent interests for a fixed consensus to have been achieved, a more determined focus has emerged within the industry. The fact that these discussions took place at all indicates a willingness by all parties to work together - cooperation sadly lacking in many other African countries.
• Efforts made to redress the poor standards of guiding in the country. The Kenya Professional Hunters and Guides Association, after studying systems employed in other African countries, has instituted a voluntary grading system to enable guides to attain recognised standards of proficiency.
• Considerable enthusiasm that Dr Richard Leakey's reappointment as Director of the Kenya Wildlife Service will revive the service's ailing fortunes. Two main concerns for him are issues of funding and security in and around the national reserves.
• The Kenya Tourist Federation's launch on January 29 as the united voice of the private sector in addressing issues of concern in tourism. It will work closely with both the Kenya Tourist Board and the Government. One of its first actions was to agree that a network of 2,000 radio units will be installed throughout Kenya by July, linking all accommodation facilities and thus providing greater security for travellers.
• Increased co-operation within the regions. The coast is being 'cleaned up', while landowners in the Laikipia district are working together to promote that region more aggressively.

Perhaps the two most important issues to address now are safety and corruption. There have been too many robberies, particularly in the north of the country. Many of the problems occur on the open road, so policing needs to be stepped up in these areas.

High levels of corruption are preventing finances from being released efficiently enough in the right places. The Kenya Tourist Board, for example, is hindered in its work while it waits for funding to be forwarded from central treasury.

Responsibility for both of these issues falls primarily with government. If they can address them determinedly, Kenya's tourism will have a very bright future. The ball is in their court.

Published in Travel Africa Edition Seven: Spring 1999. Text is subject to Worldwide Copyright (c)

For further information on travel in Africa, visit Travel Africa Magazine