Kenya and Uganda have signed four memoranda of understanding to strengthen commercial links and develop products that connect Uganda's attractions with Kenya's coastal destinations. The agreements were reached at the fifth Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit in Mombasa, bringing together tourism associations, business organisations, and innovators. The summit focused on leveraging digital platforms, data-driven destination management, and youth-led innovation to turn growing visitor numbers into new business opportunities.
The tourism sector between the two countries is experiencing significant growth. Kenyan visitors to Uganda rose to 519,041 in 2025 from 466,902 in 2024, according to the Uganda Tourism Board. Similarly, Ugandan arrivals to Kenya increased to 234,556 from 201,623 over the same period, making Uganda Kenya's second-largest source market. This growth has created opportunities for technology developers and investors to support the sector.
Technology entrepreneurs from both countries presented digital tourism solutions during the two-day meeting, while business-to-business sessions connected tour operators, hoteliers, technology developers, and investors. The programme explored how innovation could help package Uganda's wildlife, primates, lakes, and mountains alongside Kenya's beaches and cultural heritage into regional travel experiences.
The summit also addressed regulatory barriers that can constrain tourism businesses. Delegates examined the implementation of Article 104 of the East African Community Treaty, which provides for the free movement of people, and discussed inconsistent border procedures, paperwork, and limited public awareness of travel rights.
Uganda's Minister of State for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two countries. "Our two countries complement each other," she said. "Our young people and new technology will help us package these experiences together, and easier movement will put them within reach of every East African."
The organisers have shifted the annual meeting from a conference focused on awareness to a summit intended to produce institutional commitments and delivery timelines. The outcomes are expected to be documented in a communiqué and reviewed at the 2027 edition. More than 450 tourism stakeholders have participated in cross-border familiarisation trips under the partnership, according to the organisers.
The 2026 summit also marks 10 years since Uganda established its consulate in Mombasa. Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul Moe, emphasised the importance of regional integration. "Regional integration is measured by how easily our citizens, goods and services move across our borders," she said.
Key points
- The two countries have signed four memoranda of understanding to strengthen commercial links and develop products that connect Uganda's attractions with Kenya's coastal destinations.
- Technology entrepreneurs presented digital tourism solutions during the summit, highlighting opportunities for innovation in the sector.
- The summit addressed regulatory barriers that can constrain tourism businesses, including inconsistent border procedures and limited public awareness of travel rights.
