The Mombasa Tourism Council (MTC) has expressed support for a new initiative by the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) to develop and implement beach management standards in Kenya. This move aims to ensure quality service delivery and sustainable management of beaches across the country. The TRA, established under the Tourism Act No 28 of 2011, regulates the tourism sector and sets standards for service providers. The new beach management standards will provide guidelines for operators and users on sustainable management and planning, beach ownership, infrastructure, and service provision.
The Tourism Beach Operations standard, developed by TRA, sets out general requirements and recommendations for beach operators offering services to tourists and visitors. The standards cover crucial aspects such as beach safety, information and communication, cleaning, and waste removal. According to TRA, these standards will ensure that services offered by tourism establishments in Kenya meet tourists' minimum expectations and are of good quality. This initiative is expected to form the basis of quality control in the sector, promoting a more organized and sustainable tourism industry.
MTC chairman Sam Ikwaye emphasized the council's willingness to collaborate with TRA to finalize the standards. He noted that the current model, where multiple national government agencies operate with overlapping mandates, can be improved. Ikwaye mentioned that TRA, Kenya Maritime Authority, Kenya Coast Guard Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Fisheries department, and Kenya Ports Authority all impact beach resources, but counties are expected to manage day-to-day operations, including cleaning and planning. The new standards are expected to bring all players under a clear and harmonized implementation framework.
The initiative has been welcomed by fishermen operating at the Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach in Mombasa County. They believe that the new standards come at a critical time when unplanned activities threaten to destroy beaches through pollution. Fisherman Idd Bakari Swedi expressed hope that stakeholders, including fishermen, will be fully involved in the implementation process and that their input will be considered. He also urged authorities to properly vet all beach traders, including fishermen, to ensure adherence to the rules.
The Mombasa Tourism Council's support for the new beach management standards is seen as a positive step towards sustainable tourism in Kenya. The council's chairman, Sam Ikwaye, described the initiative as long overdue and emphasized the need for a harmonized implementation framework. This framework will enable counties to take a more proactive leadership role in managing beaches sustainably. The TRA's standards are expected to promote a more organized and responsible tourism industry, benefiting both local communities and tourists.
The implementation of the beach management standards is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism sector in Mombasa and other coastal regions in Kenya. By ensuring that beach operators adhere to set standards, the TRA aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and improve the overall tourist experience. The standards will also help to address concerns about beach safety, cleanliness, and waste management, which are essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive environment for tourists.
The collaboration between the Mombasa Tourism Council and the Tourism Regulatory Authority is seen as crucial for the successful implementation of the beach management standards. By working together, the two organizations can ensure that the standards are effectively enforced and that stakeholders are involved in the process. The initiative is expected to contribute to the growth of a sustainable tourism industry in Kenya, benefiting local communities and promoting the country's natural resources.
Key points
- The Mombasa Tourism Council supports the Tourism Regulatory Authority's initiative to develop beach management standards for sustainable tourism in Kenya.
- The new standards will provide guidelines for beach operators and users on sustainable management and planning, beach ownership, infrastructure, and service provision.
- The initiative aims to promote a more organized and responsible tourism industry, benefiting both local communities and tourists.
