The Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to visitor safety following a mugging incident involving a tourist in Mombasa.
In a statement on Thursday, April 3, KCTA also condemned the misreporting of the event, terming it unnecessarily alarming
KCTA Chairman Victor Shitakha criticized certain media outlets for sensationalizing the story, warning that such misinformation could harm the tourism industry.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor clarified the details of the incident, stating that it involved the theft of a tourist’s phone by two street boys in the city’s central business district, contrary to some reports.
“We have made arrests and are rounding up other suspects. Security measures are being strengthened across the Kenyan coast to ensure the safety of both visitors and residents,” he said.
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Noor reassured visitors that Kenya remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination, especially as the Easter holidays approach.
“As we usher in the Easter Holidays, let me reassure all our visitors to our tourism attractions along the Kenyan coast of their safety,” he added.
The reaffirmation is crucial considering most cruise ships make stops in Mombasa when cruising to their respective destinations.
For instance, among vessels that docked at the Port of Mombasa this year includes the MS Europanwhich arrived from Zanzibar carrying 334 tourists and 285 crew members.
The MV World Odyssey, known for its 'Semester at Sea' program, also docked at the port with 677 students and 178 crew members from Cochin, India.
A major highlight of the season was the arrival of the 294-meter-long vNorwegian Dawn bringing 2,220 tourists and over 1,000 crew members from Seychelles.
Most recently on March 19, the Viking Sky arrived at the port with 845 tourists and 469 crew members, marking the sixth cruise ship of the season.
The MS Crystal Symphony also arrived at the Port of Mombasa from Mahé in the Seychelles, carrying 373 tourists and 475 crew members.
