Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Alfred Mutua has introduced new criteria for hotel ratings aimed at enhancing standards and transparency in Kenya’s hospitality sector. The criteria ensure hotels meet specific quality benchmarks in service, facilities, cleanliness, and sustainability practices, promoting transparency and fairness in the hotel rating system. Trained inspectors will conduct standardized assessments based on established guidelines, providing objective assessments that reflect the true quality of accommodations.
These efforts aim to build trust among tourists and elevate hospitality standards, boosting Kenya’s appeal as a premier African tourist destination. During a stakeholder engagement, the Principal Secretary encouraged continued investment in proper accommodation and conference facilities.
The criteria, created by the EAC in 2009, aim to standardize hotel ratings within the community, considering emerging trends in tourism and hospitality. The rating system, covering various types of accommodations, was developed following a directive from the Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management and a Panel of Experts.
In April, CS Alfred Mutua emphasized the government’s commitment to accurately reviewing hotels and warned of potential closures for those failing to meet the required standards, highlighting past inaccuracies in hotel ratings.
