Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has confirmed that hotels and lodges across Kenya are fully booked. The peak wildebeest migration season is bringing many visitors to the country.
Miano visited the Maasai Mara National Reserve to check on services during this busy time. She found that hotels at the Coast, Central Kenya, and the Mara were all full. This shows strong demand from both foreign and local travellers.
"Whether along our beach frontlines, mountain retreats, or world-famous safari lodges, Kenya is delivering excellence at every touchpoint," said Miano. The busy season shows that tourism is recovering well. It also proves that the government's plan to offer more than just wildlife safaris is working.
Tourism is creating jobs and bringing in foreign money. The hospitality sector is also helping transport companies and local suppliers to earn more.
The wildebeest migration is a major global attraction. Herds have crossed from Tanzania's Serengeti and are now in the Maasai Mara. Thousands of tourists are coming to see the animals cross the rivers.
More crossings are expected in the coming weeks. The Narok county government has deployed over 300 police reservists to manage the crowds. These officers are enforcing park rules and controlling traffic at key points. Tour drivers who leave the designated roads will be fined and suspended.
The current bookings follow record tourism earnings. The sector made Ksh 564 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. This is a big jump from Ksh 224 billion four years ago.
International visitor numbers more than doubled to 2.76 million. Domestic bed nights rose 2.6 per cent to 5.15 million. The sector beat its revenue targets for the period. Revenue grew 18.7 per cent from the year before. This was due to higher visitor spending and more flight connections.
Miano said the sector's success comes from strong marketing under the Magical Kenya brand. Better air travel links have also helped bring in tourists. The government is now promoting business tourism, cultural tourism, and coastal holidays.
The government is using technology to improve tourism. AI systems are being used in the Maasai Mara to track wildlife and support conservation. These tools also make the visitor experience better.
The Tourism Fund is training hospitality workers across the country. Hundreds have received new skills to meet rising demand. The sector is now a key part of Kenya's economy. Accommodation and food services grew 14.7 per cent in early 2026. This shows a broad recovery across the industry.
Miano said the government wants Kenya to be a top global destination. It is also encouraging Kenyans to travel more within the country. This will help keep the industry busy all year round. A varied tourism market will also protect the sector from unexpected shocks.
