Kenya and Uganda Agree to Jointly Promote Tourism Sector

By Robby Ngoba

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenya and Uganda are exploring ways the two can collaborate to promote and market coast tourism products in order to increase the number of visitors.

Increased promotion of key tourism sites available in the two countries tipped to help increase the number of tourists between the two East African Community member states.

Speaking on Tuesday during the media launch of the 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference in Malindi, Uganda Consul General to Mombasa Ambassador Paul Mukumbya said the event targets to consolidate networks, synergies, and diversity to maximize the tourism potential between the two countries, which still have a lot of untapped tourism potential which if well highlighted could boost the number.

”Since 2022, we have taken over 100 Kenyan tourism stakeholders to Uganda and we have brought in over 300 Ugandans to the Kenyan coast ”he said .

He said majority of Kenyans who visited Uganda last year visited sporting events such as golf and rugby tournaments, festivals and music concerts.

Mukumbya revealed that the intention has been for them to experience and know these products.

”It’s not a competition. This is a partnership where we continue to grow together .This year we are focusing on youths innovation and technology for responsive and inclusive tourism,” said Mukumbya.

This landmark bilateral and business-to-business event seeks to explore untapped tourism opportunities between Uganda and Kenya’s coastal region, with both countries aiming to market and showcase their complementary tourism products.

Kenya intends to market its pristine sandy beaches, marine parks, game drives, sky diving and deep seas diving among other tourism products, while Uganda targets to market its mountain gorillas, tree climbing lions and over 1063 bird species in national parks to potential Kenyan visitors.

Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro on his part said that the two countries have recorded improved tourism numbers within themselves with more than 250, 000 Ugandans visiting Kenya’s tourism circuits especially at the coast while more than 600,000 Kenyans visiting Uganda.

”This conference is a call to action. Here in Kilifi County, we are proud custodians of treasures such as Watamu Marine National Park, Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Gede Ruins and the Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Mnarani Ruins, Kilifi Creek and Bofa Beach, Marafa Hell’s Kitchen, Mambrui with its golden beach and historical allure, the Snake Park, and the Watamu Turtle Sanctuary.

Beyond these, Kilifi is also making strides in cultural tourism, sports tourism, and wellness retreats—all powered by the resilience and creativity of our communities.’ ‘said Mung’aro.

We must develop joint tourism circuits that stretch from Uganda’s gorilla sanctuaries to Kenya’s coastal beaches, strengthen cross-border marketing with unified branding, create investment opportunities in eco-lodges, transport, and community enterprises, and position East Africa as one destination with multiple experiences,” added the County boss.

The 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference is expected to begin on 22 and end on 29 October this year in Malindi .The conference will set the stage for enhanced regional collaboration in tourism, with a particular emphasis on boosting intra-regional travel.

Kilifi County Executive Committee Member for trade and Tourism Raymond Ngala says the County is planning for a full attendance of about 750 strategic partners.