Kenya Tourism News
Airbnb chief Chesky in Nairobi to meet African entrepreneurs
Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky will visited GES 2015 to meet with entrepreneurs from around the world and explore the sharing economy’s impact and expansion, particularly on the African continent - which represents a huge opportunity for the company. In the last twelve months alone, Airbnb has more than doubled in size in Africa.
Kenya prepares to roll out e-visa scheme
UK and Irish travellers to Kenya will benefit from the introduction of a new e-visa service from July 2nd. From this date travellers may apply for their Kenya entry visas in advance of arrival in Kenya via the e-visa portal.
Kenya Airport Authority confirms Diani Beach development
Tourism infrastructure on Kenya’s southern coast is set to receive a significant boost following the announcement of a planned expansion for the Ukunda aerodrome - also known as Diani Airport - by the Kenya Airport Authority. The aerodrome is the primary airfield for tourists visiting the southern coast’s popular Diani Beach resort and a take-off point for air safaris to nearby national parks with direct flights to Kenya’s iconic Masaai Mara.
Fly-SAX set for Christmas launch in Kenyan domestic market
Fly-SAX, Kenya’s safari and private charter airline, has confirmed fully-owned subsidiary, SAX-Tanzania, the new airline established in Tanzania, will be ready for take off at the end of the year. The new airline is presently making final preparations to commence flights, subject to receiving regulatory approvals from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority.
British tourists evacuated from Kenya over Al Shabaab threat
The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office has issued advice against all but essential travel to swathes of eastern Kenya as the threat from Al Shabaab, a militant group that has carried out attacks response to the country’s military intervention in Somalia, continues to rise. Areas within 60 kilometres of the Kenya-Somali border are now effectively off-limits to British tourists, along with Mombasa Island and those within five kilometres of the coast from Mtwapa creek in the north down to and including Tiwi in the south.
Kenya begins rebuilding of international airport
President Uhuru Kenyatta has commissioned the construction of a new 55.5 billion Kenya Shillings terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that will give the airport an extra handling capacity of 20 million passengers annually and enhance its status as a world-class regional hub. Construction of the state-of-the-art facility will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by 2017.
Joint visa for East African tourists
Kenya is to be part of a new joint visa scheme with Uganda and Rwanda which will take effect on January 1st 2014. At present tourists travelling between the neighbouring East African countries must obtain a separate visa for each nation, therefore Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda are partnering in order to simplify travel arrangements for holidaymakers, as well as creating a new brand for the whole region in turn opening up opportunities for joint marketing campaigns.
World Travel Awards celebrates in Kenya
Tourism insiders at the annual World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony are celebrating in Kenya this evening after the winners were revealed at the Safari Park Hotel & Casino in Nairobi. Hundreds of travel leaders from across the continent were in attendance, as the best travel, tourism and hospitality organisations were recognised for their outstanding achievements.
Kenyan president declares three days of mourning
President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya has declared the end of a bloody four-day siege by Islamist militants at the Westgate shopping centre in the capital Nairobi. A total of 61 people were killed during the assault, with more than 150 more injured.
Kenya celebrates gold at IAAF World Championships in Moscow
Kenyan Tourism Board has congratulated its five medal winners at the IAAF World Championships in Moscow. The Kenyan team took home five gold, four silver and three bronze medals, finishing fourth overall.
Flights resume at Nairobi airport
International flights have resumed at Nairobi airport using the airport’s domestic terminal, following a fire which destroyed parts of the airport. Flight KQ101 from London and KQ887 from Bangkok arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport this morning, according to reports.
Nairobi airport devastated by fire
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, has been closed after a massive fire swept through the terminal buildings. The country’s main international airport was evacuated, with all flights cancelled.