Violent Opposition Protests in Kenya Derail Tourism Industry Rebound
- Business, leisure travelers have been canceling bookings
- Demonstrations staged over vote outcome, high living costs
Police officers try to gain control during demonstrations in Nairobi, Kenya.
Photographer: Luis Tato/AFP/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Ongoing opposition protests in Kenya are undermining a nascent recovery in the nation’s tourism industry after the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
The demonstrations against surging living costs and the outcome of last year’s elections have coincided with the peak of the tourism season, impacting hotels, lodges, restaurants and tour organizers. About 3.1 million people are directly employed in the industry, Kenya’s third-biggest source of foreign exchange, with its abundant wildlife and picturesque Indian Ocean beaches the main attractions.