Latest Kenya arrival data stir controversy

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Written by Linda Hohnholz

When the latest arrival data were finally published two days ago, reactions were swift, asking for more timely publication of statistics.

When the latest arrival data were finally published two days ago, reactions were swift, asking for more timely publication of statistics. “Why should in this day and age of computers, data come 3 ½ months late? Our borders are connected; every person entering is now processed with biometrics and fingerprints. Compiling arrivals should be a much simpler task by just using those data. Visitors also still fill arrival cards giving the purpose of their visit, which is reflected in the data I have seen. The stats differentiate between business, conference, holiday, VFR, and other categories, which is good but the point is, when we get these figures so late, there is always speculation of doctoring and beautifying figures. I read that the Seychelles had their end-year stats available within two days into the New Year. In fact, you wrote they beat their 2013 record a few days before the end of the year. How did you know that? You must have seen figures backing this up. Why can Kenya not give vital statistics within say at least a month? Don’t these people realize that more is expected from them? What is their problem, I wonder, that they are always so late?” commented a regular source from Nairobi.

The year-to-date (YTD) data for September last year, the end of Q3, were summarized in an email seen sent out to the tourism trade two days ago which read:

Find attached arrivals data YTD ending September 2014.

• Comparative January – September JKIA [Jomo Kenyatta International Airport] cumulative results reduced from 699,003 in 2013 to 574,087 by September 2014. (-17.9%)

• Cumulative MIAM [Moi International Airport Mombasa] arrivals dropped from 133,045 to 94,750 as of September 2014 (-28.8%). August 2014 (total – 10,962) experienced a 53% decline compared August 2013 while September figures declined by 42% (total 6,778)

• Consolidated JKIA & MIAM arrivals meanwhile fell from 832,366 by September 2013 as compared to 669,199 by September 2014 (-19.6%)

• Whereas we expected a boost in the month of August due to the demand for the migration, this reality did not materialize in 2014 as there was a decline of 27% as compared to August 2013. August 2014 registered 93,427 arrivals as compared to 128,232 in the preceding year.

End quote

Meanwhile there is intense speculation among tourism circles that they will early this year finally get a dedicated stand-along tourism ministry, perhaps combined with wildlife, as was the case in the past, added to the portfolio in an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.

Consensus by and large is that the present portfolio set up under which tourism is combined with commerce and East African affairs, has not worked for the sector. There is also wide agreement that the Cabinet Secretary herself has failed to make any significant impact on the sector especially considering the relatively poor financial facilitation under the present budget allocations. “If she cannot fight for the sector in cabinet when the budget is put together, then what is she fighting for?” asked another regular contributor, while other more outspoken comments are best not repeated here.

There is also some hot social media debate ongoing about the individual tipped to head the new ministry, and opinion was solid that the former Cabinet Secretary for Security, Ole Lenku, was definitely seen as entirely unsuitable for a new appointment, especially a sensitive sector like tourism, after failing the country in his previous position from which he was relieved a few weeks ago.

However, going by the appointment of the failed former police chief to the position of chair of the Kenya Airports Authority, several sources have voiced their concern that the sector, including aviation, could become a dumping ground for failures which could put a serious question mark over the capacity of such individuals to lead the industry from decline into renewed growth.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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