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The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has launched nationwide
safety and security sensitisation programmes to equip tourism industry
staff with essential skills to prevent, detect and respond to security threats.
The programmes are in collaboration with key security agencies
including, the Tourist Police Unit, Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU),
Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Bomb Disposal Unit.
Director general of Tourism Regulatory Authority Norbert Talam emphasised
the critical importance of safety and security in sustaining the growth of the
tourism industry.
“Safety and security are fundamental to the success of the tourism
sector, as they build confidence among both local and international
tourists,” he said.
“Stakeholders must continuously
enhance their preparedness and responsiveness to emerging threats.”
Talam urged sector players to strengthen compliance with the key areas
highlighted during the workshops.
He reaffirmed TRA’s commitment to working
closely with partner agencies to expand the sensitisation programmes across the
country.
The DG said the authority will roll out the next phase of training tour driver guides, tour operators and travel agencies to further strengthen
preparedness and build a more resilient and secure tourism industry.
Kibet Tembur, general manager of Starling Bird Resort, highlighted the
importance of the sensitisation programmes and encouraged the authority
to conduct them more frequently.
He said there is a great deal that partners
need to learn to enhance and improve the industry.
The specialised security units will provide technical expertise and
practical insights to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated approach to safety
and security within the sector.
This will raise safety standards and reinforce confidence in Kenya’s tourism experience, as the sector gears up for the
upcoming facility classification exercise.
