Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza urged hotels on Wednesday to contemplate adopting a pricing model based on charging per room, rather than per person, with the intention of enhancing accommodation rates.
Speaking during a media interview, the CS underlined the challenge of persuading the hotels, while underscoring the ministry's determination to realise this approach as a means of boosting tourism.
"The thing we are pushing with our businessmen especially our hoteliers so that they can open the space for our rooms to be booked per room not as per person," she stated.
Nevertheless, a portion of Kenyans expressed dissatisfaction with her remarks, questioning the rationale behind the CS's proposal.
Consumers Federation of Kenya (COKEK) Secretary General Stephen Mutoro poked holes in her plan to increase hotel occupancy.
"This one is asking hotel owners to charge per room and not per person. She probably can't tell the difference - because rooms are meant for either double or single occupancy. Our CS for tourism makes a tourist attraction of everything a tourism CS shouldn't be" he remarked.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi poked holes into the CS's proposal saying it was not feasible.
Meanwhile, some argued that hoteliers and other investors, having fulfilled the obligations of obtaining licenses, permits, and taxes, possess the freedom to determine their room charging policies.
"The hotel management reserves the right to dictate a maximum number of people the room is designed to handle. Otherwise, the industry will collapse," another added.
On the other hand, others welcomed her recommendation, adding that by implementing it, hotels should set the maximum number of guests.
"I agree with her. Our tourism sector loses a lot of money because they absolutely refuse to have this conversation but it's necessary. I mean, charging a couple separate rates to use the same room is ridiculous," one social media user stated.
However, they did observe that the implementation of these suggestions might lead to hotels imposing excessively high fees.
Furthermore, Kenyans expressed concerns that implementing the suggested per-room charges might lead to reduced hotel amenities.
Typically, hotels offer various room options, including single rooms (intended for one occupant), double rooms (capable of accommodating two guests), and triple rooms (suitable for three guests). The model of charging per person is designed to distribute the cost more affordably among visitors.
Following the controversial comments by the CS, Kenyans seized the opportunity to question the calibre of individuals President William Ruto appointed to his cabinet.
Many opined that a section of government officials will derail the President from fulfilling his campaign promises.
