The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has begun to crack down on unlicensed tour vans in an effort to restore order to one of the nation's main sources of revenue.
As part of the crackdown, TRA officials have been stationed along the lucrative Ewaso Nyiro–Sekenani route to intercept and investigate vehicles suspected of operating without licences.
Group CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides Association, Kennedy Kaunda, welcomed the crackdown, as he flagged the threat posed by unqualified individuals posing as tour professionals.
Kaunda warned that the continued presence of operators compromised the country's international image as a safe tourism destination.
"There are people who are not genuine operating in this sector. That is why there is a crackdown. It's dangerous because tourists are very delicate. If you treat them with unprofessionalism, it will hurt the industry," Kaunda said.
The crackdown will not only focus on verifying business compliance, as TRA are also intent on ensuring drivers and guides are properly trained and certified.
Operators in the tourism sector, including drivers and guides, have been reminded to obtain and renew valid documentation. They are also required to undergo compliance checks to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards.
Becoming a licensed tour operator in the country is a rigorous process. Businesses offering tour and safari services must provide several documents, including a certificate of incorporation or registration, a valid KRA PIN, professional certifications, and proof of ownership or lease of suitable vehicles to obtain a licence.
In addition, operators must present vehicle logbooks, insurance cover and an ownership or lease agreement for their business premises. All these requirements are an effort to weed out unqualified operators and protect the interests of both tourists and genuine service providers.
For individual tour guides, they need a valid ID, a certificate of good conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, a KRA PIN, and accredited training in tour guiding. Tour guides are typically expected to undergo regular refresher training to maintain licensing status and ensure they are up to date with developments in wildlife conservation, customer care, and safety.
Flouting available regulations can attract stiff penalties as stipulated under Section 98 of the Tourism Act. Individuals operating without a valid license can be liable to a fine not exceeding Ksh100,000 or imprisonment of up to 18 months.
The crackdown incidentally came after a report from the DCI, who apprehended a suspect believed to be the mastermind behind a sophisticated scam that saw a foreign tourist lose over Ksh3.6 million during a visit to the Maasai Mara.
The suspect preyed on the victim, a Greek national, who arrived in Nairobi on August 5, intending to experience Kenya's famous wildlife scene.
