Tourism Sector Slams Gachagua Over Call for Tourists, Investors to Avoid Kenya

A photo showing foreigners visiting kenya's wildlife. Photo/ KWS

Kenya’s tourism industry has strongly criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after he urged tourists and foreign investors to suspend their visits to the country until next year, warning that such remarks could harm the country’s economy and global reputation.

Among those who have spoken out is Mohammed Hersi, the immediate former Chairman of the Kenya Tourism Federation, who described Gachagua’s appeal as “totally misplaced and irresponsible” and urged him to separate politics from business and withdraw his remarks.

Speaking during a public address, Gachagua claimed the country was experiencing growing insecurity, alleging that the widespread presence of weapons had made Kenya unsafe for both citizens and visitors.

“We are approaching anarchy… I want to call on tourists to suspend their visits to Kenya until next year. We will finish with the administration, we will solve the problem with the weapons and the rogue police,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua Urges Tourists and Investors to Avoid Visiting Kenya

He also advised foreign investors to delay investing in Kenya until after the next General Election, claiming they could be exposed to insecurity.

Gachagua further cited an alleged incident involving Chinese investors, saying they had recently been robbed by armed individuals, and urged investors to stay away until the country’s political situation stabilises.

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However, responding to the former deputy president’s remarks, Mohammed Hersi urged Gachagua not to mix politics with business, arguing that Kenya’s tourism sector should not be dragged into political disputes.

He noted that Kenya has held several elections over the years without calls for tourists to avoid the country, adding that even during the 2007/2008 post-election violence, tourists were not deliberately targeted.

In addition, the immediate chairman said tourism contributes approximately 12.5% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.

According to Hersi, the sector also sustains farmers, transport operators, hotels, airlines, fuel suppliers, and many other businesses through its extensive economic linkages.

“You cannot ask an entire sector to hold its breath for eighteen months because you are unhappy with the current administration,” he said.

Tourism Sector Warns Against Politicising the Industry

He also stated that Kenya’s institutions and economy are bigger than individual politicians and should not be undermined by political disagreements, adding that even veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga had never called on tourists or investors to stay away from Kenya despite participating in several fiercely contested elections.

“Your call is, I say this firmly but respectfully, totally misplaced and irresponsible, especially coming from someone who once held the second-highest office in this land. I hope you will retract it,” Hersi said.

He concluded by stressing that while political leaders come and go, Kenya, its tourism industry, and investment opportunities must endure beyond electoral cycles.

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Mohammed’s statement has been backed down by Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), which maintained that tourists visiting Kenya do not participate in domestic politics and are not targeted by political factions.

In addition, the Federation urged politicians to refrain from using tourism and other critical sectors as collateral while engaging in scuffles without putting many Kenyans at risk.

“Kenya remains one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations. We welcome visitors from around the world with the warmth, hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for which our country is renowned,” KTF said.

Kenyans’ Mixed Reactions to Warning on Tourism

Following Gachagua’s remarks, Kenyans have demonstrated mixed reactions, with some supporting his concerns over the country’s security situation while others defending the tourism sector’s position.

Some argued that security remains the foundation of economic growth, noting that tourism, investment, and business cannot flourish where citizens and visitors feel unsafe.

“Security is the foundation of every economy. Tourism, investment, and business cannot thrive where citizens feel unsafe. Visitors choose destinations because they believe they will be secure. Therefore, protecting the lives of Kenyans and our visitors must always be prioritized,” one Kenyan said.

Others backed Gachagua’s appeal, arguing that Kenya should first address insecurity before encouraging more tourists to visit the country.

However, some social media users criticised Mohammed Hersi’s call to separate politics from business, arguing that political decisions have a direct impact on the country’s economic performance.

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