Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of visitors along its Coast, following misleading reports of an alleged attack on holidaymakers in Mombasa. Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor addressed the media, clarifying that the incident, initially reported as an attack on tourists, was actually a phone snatching incident. According to Noor, two street boys were involved in the theft of a visitor’s phone in the city’s central business district (CBD), and security agencies have already made arrests and are continuing investigations to apprehend other suspects.
Noor further assured visitors that measures are being taken to bolster security across the Kenyan Coast, emphasizing that the region remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists. “As we usher in the Easter Holidays, I want to reassure all visitors to our tourism attractions along the Kenyan Coast of their safety,” he said.
Tourism stakeholders, including the Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA), Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC), and Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), have all dismissed the reports as “misleading and unnecessarily alarming.” KCTA Chairman Victor Shitakha condemned the sensationalized media coverage, warning that it could have a negative impact on Kenya’s tourism sector, which contributes over 10 percent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The reports initially claimed that a group of over 50 youths had attacked cruise passengers who arrived in Mombasa on March 31, forcing many to cancel their visits to the city. The alleged incident reportedly took place at the popular Pembe za Ndovu spot on Moi Avenue, prompting local authorities to increase patrols in areas frequented by tourists. However, officials have clarified that no tourists were injured during the incident, with some choosing to return to their cruise ships out of caution.
In response to the situation, representatives from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the National Police Service (NPS) boarded the ship to personally apologize and reassure the visitors of their safety. Kenya remains determined to maintain its reputation as a top tourist destination, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
