Gov't to Introduce a Free Training Program for Beach Boys on How to Handle Tourists

The government is set to introduce a program to train beach boys in the Coastal region on how to handle foreign tourists.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza said there have been numerous complaints of harassment from tourists against beach boys, which threatens the resurgence of the country’s tourism sector.

As part of the government’s efforts to build a reputation for the sector, Malonza said a free tourism management course will be made available to beach boys in a soon-to-be-launched university in Kilifi.

"We want to organize our beach boys because they are looking for money but we have received complains that when tourists come they are being harassed and have even threatened to stop coming," said Malonza.

"The plan we have for our beach boys is to first ensure that the university we are building here at Ronald Ngala street in Kilifi will offer free education for beach boys on Tourism management. They will be taught how to receive our tourists." 

The cabinet secretary further called for the establishment of a beach boys' association to act as a recruitment agency for individuals and legitimize them through formal employment.

"Beach boys should also have their association and ensure that they have been employed in those associations so that they are given uniforms that will help identify them as certified beach boys," she added.