By John Kariuki
Kenya’s tourism sector continues to experience remarkable growth under the wise leadership of Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Hon Rebecca Miano EGH as the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) confirms the registration and licensing of over 33,000 tourism enterprises across the country.
The milestone was highlighted during the annual Housekeepers Heads of Departments Association of Kenya (HHPAK) meeting held at Lake Naivasha Resort attracting participants from various counties.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry Frederick Omondi Director of Standards and Quality Assurance at TRA noted that the Authority operating under the stewardship of CS Miano has developed eighteen key standards aimed at enhancing quality service delivery and ensuring sustainable regulation of the sector.
“This forms the basis of regulating the enterprises to ensure that the sector is guided in a sustainable manner” said Omondi adding that the number of tourism related enterprises is expected to grow further.
Thanks to CS Miano’s visionary approach the country has witnessed a rise in new tourism ventures including restaurants hotels tour operators guides and Airbnb facilities. A recent nationwide accreditation exercise led by TRA saw 303 facilities earn Gold awards 342 earn Silver and 346 awarded Bronze based on their service quality and performance.
“We are now well prepared for integration with the East Africa classification system” Omondi said.
Despite progress Omondi acknowledged ongoing challenges including a disconnect between hotel managers and investors an issue the Ministry is working to resolve under CS Miano’s guidance.
HHPAK Chairman Antipas Nyambok lamented the lack of recognition for housekeepers in the hospitality value chain despite their contribution to room revenue which makes up 60 to 80 percent of hotel income.
“The housekeepers must be trained supervised and constantly updated as they are critical to hotel operations” he said.
Dr Darius Wambua a medical practitioner highlighted the importance of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) awareness noting that increased education has led to a drop in related cases within the industry.
“Psychosocial stress among workers often leads to psychosomatic disorders affecting productivity. Awareness is key” he stated.
Samuel Mungai of NEMKEM Company which provides hygiene and cleaning solutions praised the renewed growth in the sector post COVID19 attributing it to Kenyans embracing domestic travel.
“Business in the hospitality sector has picked up significantly with more occupancy and growing confidence” he said.
Under CS Rebecca Miano’s able leadership Kenya’s tourism industry is steadily transforming with improved regulatory oversight quality assurance and renewed local and international interest.
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