By Jacinta Kamene
Magical Kenya’s endowments are countless and superlatively enthralling particularly to those visiting the country for the first time. Our unmatched warmth and resplendence embody Kenya’s soul yes but also bait visitors. Tourism therefore is our economic lifeblood particularly because its potential is boundless. Yet this fragile ecosystem of wonder and wealth depends on a single, non-negotiable condition – peace.
Recent protests by Gen Z have triggered a chilling effect and set off colour red signs on tourism. The consequences of protests that morph into social turbulence are visceral. They empty safari vehicles, turn beach resorts into vacant dens and render curio sellers idle. Chris Musau, Chairperson of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, recently reacted to the June 25th skirmishes aptly. He said, “Violent demonstrations shake visitor confidence. Without stability, there can be no tourism—no economy to speak of.”
Tourism contributes a significant 10% of Kenya’s GDP and sustains over thousands of jobs both directly and indirectly. Yet the many gains that accrue from tourism now tremble in the balance. As Journalist Leah Pattem observed in Spain, “Tourism is vital to the economy, but chaos makes travellers choose perceived safety elsewhere.” When highways are barricaded and cities clouded by tear gas, the world’s travellers, like gnus in a migration pandemonium across River Mara flee towards more secure horizons.
Kenya’s youth need only glance globally to see how tranquillity translates into tourism dominance. For 17 consecutive years, Iceland has reigned as the world’s most peaceful nation, ranking first on the Global Peace Index (GPI). Its glaciers, geysers, and auroras attract millions of tourists from across the globe seeking serenity. Iceland’s tourism revenue funds 42% of the country’s foreign exchange is ample proof that stability is profitable. Once ranked 22nd on GPI, Singapore climbed to 5th globally by investing in societal safety and low conflict. This marvel of a city-state blends futuristic gardens and cultural splendour to attract as many as 19 million visitors annually. Why? They trust in its reputation for order and security. Beyond chocolate and the Alps, Switzerland’s policy of neutrality makes it a haven for travellers. Its “Swisstainable” strategy shows how peace drives tourism.
These nations grasp a universal truism holding tight onto the belief that peace is not merely the absence of violence. Rather, peace is the presence of trust, predictability, and warmth of welcome. These are ingredients no marketing budget can buy.
In contrast, Hong Kong’s 2019–2020 pro-democracy protests tell a cautionary tale. When those protests took place, visitor arrivals plummeted by a whooping one-third as images of clashes flooded global media. Interviews with Korean tourists cited “perceived risk” as their primary reason to avoid the city. This is a psychological barrier far outlasting the unrest itself.
Europe’s anti-tourism revolts, water pistols aimed at visitors in Barcelona, blocked tour buses in Majorca, reveal a parallel risk. The fact is even peaceful nations suffer when perceptions of discord arise. For Kenya, where tourism employs countless young men and women as guides, chefs, and artisans, the stakes are truly high and existential.
Our Gen Z, no doubt, love Kenya. And unless infiltrated, the Gen Z stage demonstrations with good intentions. Their mobilisation skills on TikTok and X are more powerful if preaching peace and telling the world what marvels Kenya has to her name.
To safeguard tourism, the youth should champion at least three noble causes among many more. One, they should call for the replacement of barricades with dialogue platforms. As Musau urges, “Sit down with the youth. Listen and forge a peaceful way forward.” Two, they should showcase Kenya’s beauty and stability online to counter narratives of chaos carried by segments of the international press to drive a dismal image of Africa. Three, the youth of Kenya should consider investing in eco-tourism ventures, cultural festivals, or other profitable activities. These are undertakings that thrive only when calm prevails.
The world’s most peaceful nations are not just fortunate. They are focused. They choose bridges over bonfires and dialogue over destruction. Do not forget that when peace prevails, prosperity follows. The future belongs entirely to those who guard it.
Kamene is a consumer protection and regulatory policy specialist
