Kenya Declares Itself Ebola-Free as Tourism Sector Targets 5 Million Visitors

By Charo Banda

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Kenyans and international tourists planning to visit the country have been urged to dismiss any fears over Ebola, with the government confirming that Kenya remains safe and free from the disease.

The assurance was given during a high-level tourism stakeholders’ conference held in Malindi, Kilifi County, where top government officials outlined robust measures in place to prevent and control any potential outbreak.

Speaking during the official opening of the tourism stakeholders’ forum in Malindi, Tourism Principal Secretary Julius Bitok sought to allay fears among potential visitors, stressing that Kenya has not recorded a single case of Ebola.

Bitok, who was accompanied by Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi, said the government has rolled out comprehensive preparedness and surveillance strategies at all points of entry, including airports, border posts, and seaports, to ensure the country remains protected.

“I want to assure both Kenyans and our international guests that Kenya is safe. There is no Ebola case in the country. The government has put in place watertight measures to detect, contain, and respond to any suspected case,” said Bitok. “We urge tourists from across the world not to cancel their travel plans. Kenya is open, safe, and ready to welcome you.”

The PS revealed that Kenya is aggressively working to attract five million tourists annually, a target that he said would inject new momentum into the tourism sector and significantly boost the economy. He noted that misinformation about health risks has in the past hurt tourist arrivals, and called on media and the public to help counter negative narratives.

“Tourism is one of our economic pillars. If we hit five million visitors, we will create thousands of jobs, revive hotels, and transform livelihoods across the Coast and beyond. But we can only get there if we speak positively about our country,” Bitok added.

On her part, Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi used the platform to push for urgent infrastructure upgrades to support the region’s tourism potential. She urged the national government to fast-track the expansion of Malindi International Airport and rehabilitate key roads within the resort town to ease movement for tourists and locals.

“Malindi is a premier tourist destination, but we cannot compete globally if our airport cannot handle large aircraft and our roads are in poor condition. We are asking the government to prioritize these projects,” said Mnyazi.

The MP also threw her weight behind the government’s Ebola preparedness efforts, saying proactive planning was critical to safeguarding both public health and the tourism economy. “We support all measures to ensure Kenya is ready to handle any case, should it arise. But as of now, we are safe, and we want the world to know that,” she stated.

Christopher Musau, Chairperson of the Kenya association of hotel keepers and caterers, also addressed the forum. He appealed to Kenyans to refrain from spreading false or alarmist information about the country, especially on social media.

Instead, Musau urged citizens to become “ambassadors of good news” by marketing Kenya’s attractions, safety, and hospitality. “Negative publicity kills jobs. When tourists stay away, hotels close, and our members lose their livelihoods. Let us all speak well of Kenya,” he said.

The reassurance comes at a time when several East African countries have battled Ebola outbreaks in recent years, triggering travel advisories that have affected regional tourism. Kenya’s Ministry of Health has maintained active screening at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Moi International Airport, and all land borders, with isolation facilities on standby.

Tourism stakeholders in Malindi welcomed the government’s stance, saying confidence-building was key ahead of the December peak season. Malindi, Watamu, and Diani are among Coast destinations heavily reliant on European and American tourists.

With the government targeting five million tourists, industry players say infrastructure, security, and health assurances will be decisive in meeting the ambitious goal.