If you already have a holiday booked to Kenya, or wanted to go but are now very doubtful considering the recent troubles, you might find advice provided by Chris Gray, from trade industry website TTGlive, useful in helping you decide what to do.
What is the violence about?
It started after president Mwai Kibaki claimed victory over opposition leader Raila Odinga in a general election in December, despite widespread suspicion that the poll had been rigged.
Anger at the result fuelled long-standing resentment against Kibaki’s Kikuyu tribe, the largest ethnic group in Kenya. Many other tribes such as Odinga’s Luos believe the Kikuyus have been given preferential treatment over land and jobs by successive governments.
Where is the violence taking place?
Almost exclusively in the Rift Valley in the west of the country, where resentment between Kikuyus and other tribes is at its strongest. There were outbreaks in the town of Mombasa in January but it has been calm since. The Foreign Office has lifted its advice against travelling to Mombasa town.
Do tourists need to visit these areas?
No. A tourist flying into Nairobi can take internal flights to national parks and beach resorts without even going to Mombasa airport.
Are tourists targets and are the airports secure?
Kenyans are desperate to explain that there is no grudge against tourists. Rioters in Mombasa reportedly stopped to let a tourist bus pass. Roads to the airports never closed even at the height of the trouble.
Could the violence spread to beach resorts?
Unlikely, but no one can categorically say “no”. Kenyans of all tribes work together in hotels and are anxious to make it known their livelihoods depend on tourists. As Charro Sheni, who has lost his job as a chef, says: “If we see each other we say ‘maintain the peace’ because we all depend on tourism.”
What does the Foreign Office say?
Its warnings against non-essential travel are now restricted to provinces in the west of the country and slum areas of Nairobi, which have seen the most trouble. The blanket warning about the whole country and specific warning on Mombasa have been lifted. For the latest advice see www.fco.gov.uk.
Thank you for you positive comments on Kenya. We need friends like you in our efforts to improve tourist arrivals to Kenya.
Posted by: Dhiru Halai | March 23, 2008 at 11:35 AM
There are currently some fantastic savings on Kenya to encourage the return of tourists. For example, stay 7 nights from £2,399 saving £586 per person (1 night Nairobi, 3 nights Chui Lodge,3 nights Olonana)
Includes BA world traveller plus flights from Heathrow, internal flights, transfers, game activities, full board & game activities (B&B in Nairobi) and a visit to a Masai Village.
Book by 31st March for travel before 15th June 2008
This is an offer which may be booked by Luxury Worldwide Tours, through Abercrombie and Kent. You may also find their update on the situation of interest http://news.abercrombiekent.co.uk/go.asp?/bABE001/mNPXEL8/uHL9C331/xFW7WL8
Posted by: Nicola Grimshaw | March 26, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Hi Dhiru,
Many thanks for your comment. I'm hoping I will be visiting Kenya myself in the near future!
Andrea
Posted by: Andrea Wren | April 16, 2008 at 08:12 AM