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Kenya is aiming for a 27 percent increase in tourist arrivals from Uganda, with a goal of reaching 300,000 visitors by the end of 2025.
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This initiative leverages strong cultural connections, improved transport infrastructure, and visa-free travel across Africa, which are expected to drive growth.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano made the announcement during the opening of the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo (POATE) in Kampala. She emphasized Kenya’s commitment to boosting cross-border tourism through the East African Community (EAC) campaign, Visit East Africa: Feel the Vibe.
“Uganda remains a key tourism partner, having brought in over 225,000 visitors to Kenya in 2024. We’re committed to strengthening joint marketing and enhancing collaborative tourism experiences,” said Miano at the Speke Resort Munyonyo.
Uganda is Kenya’s leading African tourism source market and ranks second globally, following the United States.
Now in its 11th year, POATE has attracted over 260 exhibitors, 70 international buyers, and thousands of tourism professionals. Kenya is using the event to promote a broad array of attractions to Ugandan travelers, including beach holidays, destination weddings, business tourism (MICE), and sports tourism.
The country is also marketing itself as a shopping hub, highlighting its modern malls and international retail outlets.
Miano cited the successful “WRC Tugende Kenya” campaign, which drew thousands of Ugandan motorsport enthusiasts to the annual Safari Rally. In 2024, about 33,000 regional visitors — mainly from Uganda — attended the event.
She concluded that such regional partnerships are vital for rebuilding tourism in the post-pandemic era and for advancing sustainable economic development across the EAC.
