NAIROBI, Kenya, September 21, 2025 – Thousands of Kenyans visited Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) parks on Saturday as the country celebrated World Tourism Day. Nairobi National Park saw heavy traffic, with long queues of families, students, and local tourists eager to experience wildlife.
The initiative was part of Tourism Week celebrations. It aimed to boost domestic tourism and encourage Kenyans to explore their natural heritage.
Nairobi National Park Draws Huge Crowds
Just 15 minutes from Nairobi’s city centre, Nairobi National Park recorded one of its busiest days this year. KWS officials reported thousands of additional visitors compared to a typical weekend.
Many families used the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Parents said the free entry gave their children a chance to learn about conservation without financial barriers. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service, other parks across the country also experienced a surge.
Mombasa Hosts the Main Celebration
In Mombasa, the main event took place at the scenic Mama Ngina Waterfront. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano presided over the national ceremony.
Miano praised Mombasa County for creating a Tourism Council and a Tourism Unit, calling them models for tourism-led growth. She highlighted the rise of cruise tourism, growing visits to marine parks, and more charter flights into Mombasa. She said these milestones show momentum toward the goal of attracting five million international visitors each year.
This focus mirrors global advice from the UN World Tourism Organization, which urges countries to combine strong domestic tourism with international marketing.
Leaders Emphasize Growth and Resilience
Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir welcomed visitors, stressing the city’s dual role as a tourism hub and a blue economy driver.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to expanding the sector. He noted that investments in infrastructure and cultural heritage would strengthen Kenya’s reputation as a leading global destination.
Parade and Cultural Showcases
Celebrations began with a parade from Mombasa’s iconic Tusks to Mama Ngina Waterfront. CS Miano, Governor Nassir, PS Ololtuaa, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality students joined the procession.
Visitors enjoyed exhibitions and cultural shows featuring Kenya’s wildlife, marine life, and diverse traditions. Displays from KWS highlighted conservation programs and promoted more visits to parks across the country.
Domestic Tourism: The Hidden Engine
Officials stressed that domestic tourism remains essential to sustaining the sector. Local visitors cushion the industry during international downturns and play a key role in preserving cultural and natural assets.
The ministry’s Tourism Recovery Plan, featured in sauce.co.ke’s economy coverage, places domestic travel at the heart of growth. This approach prepares Kenya to compete better for international arrivals while protecting its heritage.
Looking Ahead: Five Million Visitors Target
Kenya has set a target of drawing five million international tourists annually. Investments in aviation, wildlife protection, and the blue economy are expected to support this goal.
Analysts say initiatives such as free park entry and county-level tourism programs will drive growth. A recent Africa News report ranks East Africa among the fastest-growing tourism regions globally.
CS Miano summed up the optimism: “The momentum is real. With Kenyans’ support, tourism will become one of the strongest pillars of our economy.”
