School Break and CHAN Tournament Fuel Kenya’s Tourism Spike

Kenya's tourism sector is experiencing a significant boost this August, driven by the coinciding school holidays and the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament. 

Hotels across the country are reporting high occupancy rates. Coastal resorts in Mombasa and Diani are currently enjoying occupancy levels ranging from 60 to 80 percent, with expectations of further increases as schools remain closed for the remainder of the month. The Mombasa Continental Resort on the North Coast has already reached 70 percent capacity, primarily fuelled by domestic travellers. 

General Manager Mike Kamau notes that "Domestic accounts for 90 per cent of our bookings," adding that the resort is "encouraging families to take advantage of special rates during this period."

Safari destinations, particularly the Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya circuits, are also capitalising on the seasonal influx. Lodges in the Maasai Mara are reporting occupancy rates of up to 90 percent, with the annual wildebeest migration continuing to be a major draw for both domestic and international tourists. Industry stakeholders affirm that August is traditionally a peak season, with forward bookings indicating sustained demand.

In Nairobi, the CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is injecting fresh momentum into the city’s hospitality and service sectors. The tournament, running from 2nd to 30th August, has brought teams from Kenya, Morocco, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia to the capital, with most accommodations centred around Westlands. The final match, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, is expected to amplify business activity further.

Mike Macharia, CEO of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, emphasised the broader economic impact of hosting such events. "The tournament is very good for hotels as they are hosting the various teams as well as fans. Our country can benefit greatly by hosting more sporting events of this nature," he said.

Julius Owino, chief executive of the Kenya Coast Tourism Association, affirmed the significance of school holidays in driving domestic tourism. "The season is just starting and also with the closure of schools, we expect good numbers in August more so from the domestic market," he noted, adding that current occupancy averages around 60 percent.

The sector’s strong performance builds on a record-breaking year in 2024, which saw 2.4 million international arrivals and over five million domestic bed nights. Tourism earnings rose by nearly 20 percent, from Sh377.49 billion in 2023 to Sh452.20 billion in 2024. Projections for 2025 suggest earnings could reach Sh560 billion, with international arrivals expected to hit three million.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Research Institute anticipates five million international visitors by 2027, potentially generating Sh800 billion in revenue. The current momentum, driven by strategic event hosting and domestic travel patterns, signals a resilient and expanding tourism landscape poised for sustained growth. The convergence of these factors underscores the importance of both international appeal and the nurturing of domestic travel within Kenya's tourism strategy.