Kenya's tourism record: 2.76 million visitors and over KSh564 billion, and the risks ahead
Kenya had its best tourism year on record in 2025/26, with international arrivals more than double those of 2021/22. Here are the numbers, why they matter for jobs, and what could slow the boom.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announced that Kenya received 2.76 million international visitors in the 2025/26 financial year, up 9.8%, with earnings above KSh564 billion. It is the sector's best year on record.
The numbers
| Year | International arrivals |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 1.21 million |
| 2025/26 | 2.76 million (+9.8% on the year before) |
Arrivals have more than doubled in four years as travel recovered after COVID-19, and earnings have roughly doubled since 2022.
Why it matters
- Jobs: hotels, tour operators, drivers, guides, restaurants and craft sellers depend on visitors, from the Maasai Mara to the coast.
- Foreign currency: tourists spend dollars and euros, which supports the shilling and helps pay for imports such as fuel. That matters even more with Kenya's large external debt (see Kenya's KSh13 trillion debt).
- Big events ahead: AFCON 2027 and matches at the new Raila Odinga International Stadium could bring more visitors (see AFCON 2027).
Risks to watch
- Ebola travel restrictions. Saudi Arabia has suspended travel to and from Kenya. Other countries could follow, even though Kenya's outbreak is contained (see Ebola and the Saudi ban).
- Conflict in the Gulf. Many visitors fly to Kenya through Gulf hubs. Flight disruptions there can hit arrivals.
- Higher costs. Rising fuel prices make flights, safaris and transport more expensive.
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