Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is firmly back on a growth trajectory as the country intensifies efforts to attract five million international visitors by next year, the Kenya Tourism Board has said.
KTB chief executive officer June Chepkemei said cruise tourism recorded a 140 per cent growth last year, with projections indicating an even stronger performance in 2026.
On Sunday, the Port of Mombasa received the luxury cruise liner Crystal Symphony, carrying more than 600 tourists and 400 crew members, signalling renewed confidence in Kenya as a preferred cruise destination.
“The beginning of the year has already shown that we are set to grow beyond that. Tourism numbers are on a strong upward trajectory. We are hitting our targets and we are happy to continue growing the sector,” Chepkemei said.
The Crystal Symphony docked at the Port of Mombasa on Sunday morning, becoming the first cruise ship to call at the port this New Year.
“This particular ship has brought more than 600 travellers and crew members, with about 200 of them disembarking. That goes to show that their presence here is having a significant impact on the Kenyan Coast,” she said.
Chepkemei said several visitors had already embarked on excursions across different parts of the Coast, further underscoring the sector’s steady recovery and growth.
The 238-metre-long Bahamas-flagged vessel sailed from South Africa on a seven-day voyage and was scheduled to stay in Kenya for 48 hours before continuing its journey to India.
Chepkemei said Kenya had prepared a variety of curated tour experiences for the guests.
The Kenya Ports Authority reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Mombasa as a leading cruise tourism hub in the region.
“We are the premier gateway to East Africa, and we have invested in this cruise terminal. We support cruise tourism and business ventures in Kenya,” KPA corporation secretary John Kinyanjui said.
by CHARLES MGHENYI
