Mombasa: Uganda and Kenya are working to remove travel barriers between the two countries in preparation for the 5th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism and Innovation Summit scheduled for October 26 and 27, 2026, in Mombasa. The event aims to address obstacles hindering tourism growth in the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, Uganda’s Consul General to Kenya, Amb. Herbert Kiguli, highlighted immigration procedures and high air travel costs as key challenges for tourists. He suggested treating the region as a single aviation block to reduce international taxes and fares. Additionally, Kiguli noted issues with mobile money transactions, affecting Ugandan visitors in Kenya.
Despite these challenges, cross-border tourism has grown, with significant increases in travelers between the two countries from 2024 to 2025. Amb. Kiguli anticipates further growth by the end of 2026 and emphasized the importance of formalizing collaboration between tour operators through Memoranda of Understanding.
Patrick Kamanga, Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) Coast Region, pointed out the absence of a regional tourism Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as a barrier to offering multi-country itineraries. He also criticized high airfares, urging airlines to lower costs to boost regional travel.
Dr. Sam Ikwaye, Executive Officer of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), stated that the summit would focus on improving air access and advancing an Open Skies Policy. The summit will also address regional hotel classification standards and the impact of political activities on tourism.
Mohamed Osman, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, and Culture, expressed the county’s goal of attracting five million international tourists by 2027, with Uganda being a key market. Osman mentioned the completion of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a means to enhance connectivity and reduce flight costs between Entebbe and Mombasa.
Mombasa will host World Tourism Day celebrations in September 2026, featuring cultural activities and sports events to attract tourists and encourage exploration within the East Africa Community.
