Kenya reassures tourists following ‘despicable act of cowardice’
Kenya’s tourism chiefs have issued a statement in a bid to calm fears following an attack on a shopping centre.
Phyllis Kandiecabinet, secretary for East Africa Commerce and Tourism said the tourism sector joins other Kenyans in condoling the bereaved families, including those of foreigners who have lost their lives during the Westgate attacks.
"The attack was a despicable act of cowardice intended to instill fear among Kenyans and our visitors, but the attackers must never be allowed to have their way," she said.
"We are hereby therefore affirming that normal activities are going on in all parts of the country despite this grave and enormous challenge."
She said the country wished to assure tourists that it is peaceful and that security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that everyone is safe.
"Tour operators and travel agents have confirmed that tourism activities continue uninterrupted," she said.
"The government has also scaled up security in other social places across the country.
"Consequently we are extending a hand of welcome to all those arriving from tomorrow to Kenya to attend two critical conferences namely; Africa Hotel and Investment Forum and the Eco tourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference taking place in Nairobi ahead of other upcoming international events to be hosted in the country."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season