Policy Brief No. 17 of 2023-2024 on Promoting ASAL Counties as Prime Destinations for Tourists in Kenya

Abstract

Tourism is a critical sector in the country’s economy, contributing to nearly 10.4 per cent of Kenya’s GDP. The share of employment in tourism sector, notably in accommodation and food services sector activities, was 23 per cent in 2022. The ASALs make up to 89 per cent of the country land area. The region possesses a competitive edge in the tourism industry particularly given its comparative advantage in form of tourism resource endowment. However, the ASALs’ immense potential, notably in tourism, has not been fully exploited for decades. The main contributing factors include the regions having been associated with issues of cattle rustling, drought, instability, and poverty, among others. ASALs are home to 90 per cent of the wildlife that sustains the tourism sector and most of the attraction sites such as game reserves and national parks are in ASAL regions. However, the coastal beach remains the most preferred destination for tourists. ASALs record the lowest inbound visitors annually compared to other regions. Northern Kenya has the lowest hotel bed occupancy rate of 4.9 per cent.