(Posted 14th October 2026)
Leading travel industry figure Jon Danks has applauded the East African focus on destination safety and has made calls for greater trade engagement, operator transparency and online integration. The former CEO of the African Travel and Tourism Association, and ex-Chairman of Star Alliance (UK) was commenting during the Magical Kenya Expo in Nairobi last week. His comments followed two key industry changes.
From 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania introduced a mandatory scheme, pursuant to Government Notice No. 256, and section 134A of the Insurance Act which means foreign visitors are mandated to purchase an inbound policy provided by National Insurance Corporation (NIC) for US$44 per person, for a duration of up to 92 days. Zanzibar had operated a mandatory inbound travel insurance through ZIC. Kenya also implemented a similar mandatory inbound travel health insurance for most foreign visitors from 5 October 2026. In July 2026 a Gazette notice contemplated Kenya visitors being able to demonstrate qualifying insurance purchased in a traveller’s home country, uploaded to the eTA system. That was challenged in the High Court and temporarily suspended, and in early October the High Court dismissed the challenge and upheld the legality of the mandatory insurance.
Jon Danks, MD Commercial X, said “Safety and security are key concerns for travellers to the continent and for brands operating in the air, and on the ground, so I welcome the renewed focus. However, after listening daily with international industry figures I’m firm in the belief there is a requirement for a triangular refocus, and further trade engagement.
Most inbound visitors are already in possession of comprehensive cover, often issued on an annual basis by international banks or insurers, so increasingly I hear calls and challenges as to why a duplicate 90-day policy is now required. I have travelled to East Africa for five decades and understand how reputational safety is underpinned by the industry delivery-chain between global tour operators and local DMCs, who contract trusted medical evacuation providers in Kenya and Tanzania. I see a mirror of global aviation safety standards in organisations like Rescue.co and their contracted partners like Phoenix Aviation and I recognise the essential role they play delivering integrated air and ambulance services, to underpin growth. Listening to international industry colleagues however, it’s currently unclear as to how these trusted industry Medevac providers are integrated into the new mandated insurance programme”.
Danks continued “Following engagements at the Pearl of Africa Expo in Kampala, Kilifair, Arusha, on a wealth of topics from Sports Tourism to developments in the MICE sector, I recognised a step change in the delivery of MKTE 2026 and want to thank colleagues across Kenya Tourism Board and wider stakeholders. I also applaud the private sector, and key tourism figures across East Africa on engagements that have painted a clear vision of sustainable growth. Visitor safety is an ongoing dialogue, and the global industry welcomes opportunities for an ongoing conversation, and greater digital integration to improve the online experience”.
In the Kenya, customers now purchase mandated policies via the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA), inbound travel health insurance website, alongside their ETA Visa. Dashboard · Insur8
