Frontier Correspondent
Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has unveiled the draft National Tourism Strategy (2025–2030) — an ambitious plan to privatize a selection of idyllic beaches and pristine islands along the Indian Ocean coast.
The initiative seeks to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), upscale visitors, and sustainable growth in the country’s tourism sector.
The plan targets five beaches — Vipingo, Msambweni, Kipungani, Matondoni, and Takaungu — and four islands — Chale, Funzi, Manda Toto, and Kiwayu — across Kwale, Lamu, and Kilifi counties.
These sites will be offered through private ownership, concessions, or long-term leases to investors expected to develop high-end facilities such as boutique hotels, beach clubs, yacht marinas, and private villas.
According to the ministry, the strategy aims to reposition Kenya’s coastal circuit as a premium destination by unlocking global competitiveness, improving infrastructure, and diversifying the tourism portfolio.
The draft also proposes categorizing beaches into four segments — exclusive/premium, family and leisure, ecotourism and cultural, and adventure and sports — to serve different visitor interests.
Policy analyst Muna Ahmed hailed the move as a bold and progressive step. “Privatizing Kenya’s idyllic coastal gems will unlock their true potential, attract top-tier investment, and create long-term value for local communities,” she said, urging the government to ensure responsible development that balances profit with environmental stewardship.
Accessibility improvements include upgrading Malindi Airport to international status, expanding direct flights at Mombasa’s Moi International Airport, and modernizing regional airstrips in Ukunda and Lamu.
Tourism remains Kenya’s third-largest foreign exchange earner after tea and horticulture, generating KSh 452.2 billion in 2024, a 15% rise from 2023.
The government targets KSh 650 billion in earnings and 3 million international arrivals in 2025, driven by diversification and private-sector participation.
The privatization drive is projected to create over 500,000 jobs by leveraging private investment for infrastructure and community development.
By 2030, the strategy envisions 5 million tourist arrivals, KSh 1.2 trillion in revenue, and 2.5 million jobs, all while ensuring environmental sustainability and community empowerment.
Public participation on the draft strategy runs from October 27 to 29, with submissions invited via the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife website.
As Kenya prepares to transform its idyllic coastal gems, the plan underscores the country’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism industry.