Press Release
Nairobi 8/07/2014…….The government will intensify security patrols in the environs of tourism facilities across the country for the safety of tourists.
Commerce and Tourism Principal Secretary Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed said though adequate security has been provided within tourism facilities, their surroundings needed security vigilance.
The PS was reacting to the Sunday incident in which a Russian tourist lady was shot dead by robbers about a kilometer away from the UNESCO Heritage site of Fort Jesus, where she had toured. According to the police, this was as a result of a robbery attempt gone wrong.
In a statement after chairing National Tourism Crisis Committee meeting in his office, Dr Mohammed said that the upcoming recruitment of additional police officers was in the right direction in improving security in the country.
“In order to enhance visitor’s safety, patrols by the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) will be stepped up within the environs of tourism facilities with the additional personnel. We also urge stakeholders in the industry to maintain security arrangements currently in place,” said the PS.
The PS, while assuring tourists of their safety during their tour of the country, termed the shooting incident as unfortunate and a rare occurrence.
“While Kenya receives over one million international tourist every year, incidents of tourists being harmed are not common with no incident involving a tourist being shot being reported in the recent past,” said Dr Mohammed.
He assured tourists of their safety in the country as the sector ushers in the high season.
Already accommodation facilities in the famous Maasai Mara Game Reserve have recorded over 80 per cent bookings as the annual wildebeest migration sets in coinciding with the high season.
Dr. Mohammed appealed to travel agents to include other tourism attractions for their clients to enjoy after witnessing the wildebeest crossing.
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