(Nairobi) – Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) is intensifying its national initiative to classify hotels and other tourism establishments across 16 counties. The exercise aims to improve service standards, guide tourists on quality expectations, and elevate the competitiveness of Kenya’s tourism sector globally.
This latest effort follows earlier classification exercises in regions like Mount Kenya, Nairobi, and the North and South Rift, conducted between May and July 2023. The TRA is seeking consultants to manage assessments and accreditation for Class A and B establishments in the targeted counties.
The lower eastern, North Eastern, and South Rift Valley regions include facilities in Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Wajir, Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Turkana, Samburu, and West Pokot. Meanwhile, the South Coast will focus on Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta, and the North Coast will cover Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu.
Accreditation is increasingly viewed as a global benchmark for hospitality quality, valued by stakeholders and visitors as a reliable measure of service and comfort. According to the TRA, this initiative ensures continuous quality improvement, promotes customer satisfaction, and enhances the competitiveness of Kenya’s tourism sector.
The classification framework awards bronze, silver, and gold marks for national accreditation and star ratings under the East African Community system, symbolizing the level of quality and performance of hospitality establishments.
Objectives of Hotel Classification
| Objective | Impact |
|---|---|
| Ensure continuous service improvement | Enhances customer satisfaction and guest experience |
| Promote competitiveness among businesses | Provides opportunities for SMEs to grow and compete globally |
| Encourage repeat visits by guests | Increases profitability and revenue growth in the tourism sector |
| Foster job creation in the hospitality sector | Boosts local employment opportunities in regions with classified facilities |
TRA emphasized the importance of high-quality service delivery in retaining customers and attracting new visitors. Satisfied guests are more likely to make repeat visits, boosting the profitability and sustainability of tourism businesses.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader goal of strengthening its position as a leading tourism destination. By implementing codes of practice, classification criteria, and quality assurance measures, TRA aims to ensure that visitors receive consistent, high-quality experiences.
Mombasa recently saw its Pride Inn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa achieve five-star status, becoming the city’s only five-star hotel under the TRA’s rigorous evaluation. Such classifications serve as a mark of quality and help Kenya’s tourism offerings remain competitive in the global market.