Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called upon both local and international investors to channel their resources into Kenya’s tourism sector, anticipating a significant boost in international visitor numbers. Addressing the press during the reopening of the iconic Treetops Lodge in Aberdare National Park, Gachagua highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s appeal as a tourist destination.
The Treetops Lodge, which has been a symbol of Kenya’s rich heritage since 1932, reopens its doors after a hiatus that began in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Lodge holds historical significance as the site where Princess Elizabeth learned of her father King George VI’s passing in 1952, leading to her ascension to the British throne. Its reopening is seen as a pivotal moment for the tourism sector, especially the Mountain Tourism Circuit.
In his address, Gachagua emphasized the importance of political stability in attracting and maintaining investor confidence. “We pray for peace in this country,” he said. “We want calmness and restoration of sanity so that we do not scare away tourists. We want Kenya to be peaceful. We call upon everybody in the political space to tone down so that we have the right political environment and security.” His remarks underscore the need for a stable political climate to foster growth in the tourism industry.
The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has projected a rise in international visitors to three million by the end of the year. Francis Gichamba, KTB chairman, described the reopening of The Treetops Lodge as a significant milestone. “Reopening of The Treetops Lodge is timely because we received statistics in the country indicating that for the first time since 2019, we have exceeded two million visitors,” Gichamba said. “This means tourism arrivals are on an upward trajectory. The Kenya Tourism Board wants to drive the numbers to three million before the end of the year.”
Gachagua lauded the Lodge’s reopening as a boost to the local economy, particularly noting its role in job creation. He urged Kenyans to invest locally and encouraged them to teach their children about the importance of investing in their own country. “We can’t wait for foreign investors to come home to invest. Even as we invite foreign investors, let us start it ourselves by encouraging our own children to invest at home,” Gachagua stated.
The Deputy President’s appeal for a conducive investment environment was echoed by various dignitaries present at the reopening ceremony, including British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan and representatives from the Chinese Embassy. Wigan commended the Lodge’s reopening, emphasizing its significance to the United Kingdom and its potential to bring prosperity to the local community.
Dr. Keith Ikinu, Managing Director of Treetops Lodge, expressed his motivation for reviving the facility, citing its historical ties with Britain and its impact on the local economy. “Our intention was to revive the hospitality and tourism industry in Nyeri county,” Ikinu said. “Nyeri was famous in the Mountain Tourism circuit because the county is well interconnected. Closure of the Treetops Lodge affected the economy. But we are keen on bringing that back.”
The reopening of Treetops Lodge is not just a revival of a historic site but also a testament to Kenya’s resilience and its potential to reclaim its status as a premier tourist destination. As the country gears up for an anticipated surge in tourist arrivals, the focus remains on fostering a secure and welcoming environment to ensure sustained growth and investment in the tourism sector.
