Kenya's tourism stakeholders appeal for calm amid poll dispute

NAIROBI – Kenyas tourism stakeholders on Monday called for an end tothe political tension that has persisted since the Aug. 8 polls so that the industry can continue on its recovery path. Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism Najib Balala told journa lists in Nairobi that Kenyans should now reconcile all political players and rebuild the country by pulling together in one direction. Our tourism sector is very sensitive to any instability or insecurity. We therefore urge our political leaders to guard against any remarks or actions that may jeopardize the gains made in this industry, Balala said. Currently our main concern is that high political temperatures will lead to the loss of all gains we have achieved in the tourism sector in the past two years, he added. Political clashes broke out in the East African nation after the announcement of presidential results on Friday night. The opposition coalition has claimed that over 100 people had been killed by police responding to the protests while state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights put the fatalities at 24. Balala noted that perception of insecurity and political protests shows Kenya as a tourist destination which is insecure and thus scaring away visitors. We urge both local and international media to portray the true picture of Kenya which is that only a few pockets of protests have been witnessed and the country is not on fire, he added. Balala thanked the Kenyan people for peacefully voting during the just concluded general elections which the international community has observed were conducted in a credible, free, fair and transparent manner. According to Balala, Kenya is now in the high tourism season, when the country receives high numbers of international visitors. He noted that hotels in parts of coastal areas as well as the urban centres have been affected by low occupancy due to the uncertainty around the elections. Balala said that every Kenyan has an obligation to keep and ensure a welcoming environment for visitors, in order to grow the economy and create jobs. Xinhua

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Kenya's tourism stakeholders appeal for calm amid poll dispute