This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
Published on June 5, 2020, a Cabinet minister in Kenya has downplayed the impact of the ongoing row with the US government over the freezing of military aid on the country's tourism industry.
Minister Morris Dzoro stated that the row is centered around military aid and that even if the US suspends it indefinitely, Kenya will continue to market itself to American tourists.
"The row is over military aid. Even if the US suspends it for good, we will continue with our marketing efforts there," Dzoro said.
Kenya's tourism industry has shown resilience in the face of adversity, with last year's profits increasing due to a rise in American tourists visiting the country despite negative travel advisories from the US government.
Minister Dzoro also highlighted the growing market in the Far East, particularly in China and Japan, which will serve as a buffer against any potential decline in American tourism.
"We also have a bigger market emerging in the Far East – China and Japan – and even if the worst happens and fewer Americans come, we shall still have a place to lean on," the minister said.
However, the US government has suspended Sh760 million in military aid to Kenya due to the country's refusal to sign a bilateral treaty that would shield US soldiers from international war crimes.
Minister Dzoro also announced new measures to reduce human-wildlife conflict in Kwale District, including the relocation of 400 elephants from the Shimba Hills National Reserve to the northern part of Tsavo National Park.
The transfer, which will be carried out between July and September at a cost of Sh250 million, aims to improve the Shimba Hills ecosystem and ease the long-running conflict between people and elephants.
