Impact of covid-19 on tourism in Kenya: strategies for recovery

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread across the world like bushfire and has negatively impacted the global tourism and travel industry. Kenya is experiencing a rapid and sharp decline in demand and a surge in job, putting the livelihoods of many people and national economy on jeopardy. This policy brief is based on qualitative research which examined the contribution of tourism to poverty alleviation in Kenya. Field data has been suplemented with inormation from secondary sources. Covid-19 has had unprecedented negative effects on tourism arrivals, revenues, attractions, transport, and emplyment. The recovery path is uncertain for the industry and much will depend on appropriate policy stimulus from the county to the national levels.