The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has revoked the licences of four tour operators for breaching industry regulations, including the employment of unlicensed drivers.
In a statement on Saturday, September 6, TRA's Director-General, Norbert Tallam, revealed that the operators would not be permitted to operate in the country again until they had met all the requirements set out.
“We are here to ensure that Kenya’s tourism sector is properly regulated. Rogue operators and unlicensed drivers must come forward and regularise their businesses or they will not be allowed to operate,” he said.
TRA revealed that the violations that led to the revocation of the licences included the use of unlicensed drivers and the defrauding of tourists during the booking process.
The authority also urged tourists, both domestic and international, not to use any unlicensed operators, while warning non-compliant operators that they will soon face a similar fate.
However, it noted that several firms have since complied with the regulations as the crackdown continues, which it says proves that the campaign is working.
TRA also clarified that the crackdown is not intended to stifle business, but rather to clean up the sector and ensure the industry's safety and sustainability.
The multi-agency crackdown began in the Maasai Mara and has since been extended to other tourist destinations in the country, including the coast, Tsavo and Amboseli.
Last month, TRA announced that the crackdown would focus not only on verifying business compliance but also on ensuring that drivers and guides are properly trained and certified.
How to Become a Licenced Tour Operator in Kenya
To become a licensed tour operator in Kenya, businesses offering tour and safari services need to provide several documents. The documents include a certificate of incorporation or registration, a valid KRA PIN, professional certifications, and proof of ownership or lease of suitable vehicles.
Operators also need to present vehicle logbooks, insurance cover and an ownership or lease agreement for their business premises.
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 contracted by the firms must also have undergone training as well as regular refresher training to maintain licensing status and ensure they are up to date with developments in wildlife conservation, customer care, and safety.
