Tourism operators have raised concerns over proposed new regulations that introduce fees and new requirements for tourism enterprises, warning that higher costs could hurt businesses and make Kenya less attractive to investors and tourists.
The concerns were raised on Thursday, September 17, 2026, when the Senate Committee on Delegated Legislation engaged tourism stakeholders over the Tourism (Tourism Enterprises) Regulations, 2026, under Legal Notice No. 127 of 2026.
Inside the proposed regulations
The proposed regulations seek to establish a framework for the licensing, standardisation, classification and regulation of tourism enterprises.
However, stakeholders drawn from various tourism associations raised concerns over the proposed framework, particularly what they described as high fees.
They argued that increased costs could create an unfavourable business environment and potentially discourage investment in the sector.
The stakeholders further cautioned that higher operating costs could affect Kenya’s competitiveness, with investors and tourists potentially considering alternative destinations in other countries.
The tourism players also raised concerns about the consultation process, saying they were not engaged before the regulations were developed.
They argued that this raised questions about compliance with the constitutional requirement for public participation and stakeholder engagement.
The concerns were presented by representatives from the Tourism Professional Association, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, Domestic Tourism Association, Tour Operators Society of Kenya, Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Kenya Association of Travel Agents, Kenya Coast Tourism Association, Kenya Association of Air Operators and Ecotourism Kenya.
Senate examination in the regulations
Committee chairperson Senator Mwenda Gataya (Tharaka Nithi) assured the stakeholders that their submissions would be considered as the committee examines the proposed regulations.
“We have heard your concerns, and the Committee will carefully interrogate every issue raised,” Gataya said. The committee would also engage the regulator before making its final decision.
“We will engage the regulator and consider all the submissions before making an informed decision on whether to annul or accede to the Regulations.”
The committee’s review will therefore determine whether the regulations proceed as proposed or whether changes are required in response to the concerns raised by tourism stakeholders.
The regulations are part of efforts to create a more structured framework for tourism enterprises, including licensing, classification and operational standards.
The committee’s engagement comes amid calls from industry players for a balance between regulation, consumer protection and the cost of doing business.