The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) Chairman Adam Jillo – who is a member of the Tourism Recovery Strategy Committee – said they are in constant communication with Tourism Ministry to ensure they receive the funds on time/FILE
The Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) Chairman Adam Jillo – who is a member of the Tourism Recovery Strategy Committee – said they are in constant communication with Tourism Ministry to ensure they receive the funds on time.
The committee which comprises nine members is expected to hand in its report to President Uhuru Kenyatta in three months time.
“This money has been promised, it is in writing – the recovery team has been briefed – we will access that money in the next two weeks,” Jillo said.
The recovery committee was formed in June this year by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie following numerous insecurity cases which had negatively hit the sector.
The biggest challenge the committee will be focusing on is changing the negative publicity Kenya has received following incidents of insecurity.
“There are so many reporters out there even reporting old articles by putting them on the internet and that has really damaged the Kenyan tourism industry. So please (media) help us to portray the Kenyan image in a good way because this is where we have the biggest problem,” he urged.
He was speaking during a press conference by the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) where he serves as is a director.
KEPSA expressed optimism that despite the challenges facing the country the future is bright following numerous milestones by the government that will see improved business environment.
Some of them include digitisation of land records, digitization of company records, easier access to electricity connections, online i-Tax system and the launch of the Mombasa Community Port Charter.
Others are reduction of weighbridges on the Mombasa-Malaba corridor which include Mariakani, Mlolongo, Gilgil and Malaba.
“Yes these things are happening, they are not unique to ourselves, but how do we get out information that also gives hope about the good things that are happening? There are things we have worked with the government and have worked well. When we keep hope, everyone feels happier and they are able to work and do the right thing,” KEPSA Chief Executive Officer Carole Kariuki said.
