NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 20 – The Cabinet has approved the Tourism Bill and the Tourism Policy which aim to provide the ideal legal framework for tourism and related issues and thus enhance its competitiveness.
The Bill will consolidate the various laws currently regulating the sector into one Act of Parliament while the Tourism policy will give new direction and impetus in the development, management and promotion of the sector.
“Some of the highlights of the policy include the formation of a Tourism Service, the Kenya Tourism Authority and the Tourism Finance Corporation,” a statement from the Presidential Press Service highlighted.
Another body – the Tourism Finance Corporation which will provide and mobilise financial support to the various players in the industry will also be created. Once enacted, it also aims to establish a tourism board in every region.
The establishment of the Kenya Tourism Authority is expected to be involved in the setting of standards, the implementation of policies in the industry and the registering and licensing of tourist facilities in the country.
The new framework seeks to rationalise these institutions in order to avoid the duplication of their mandates and responsibilities.
This is the first time that a comprehensive tourism policy has been developed since 1969.
