KATA Coast United with Safarilink and Tourism Police to Enhance Travel Security and Routes, Here Is What You Need To Know

Published on July 13, 2025

KATA Coast (Kenya Association of Travel Agents) has secured new and successful collaborations with the aim of enhancing the level of security and productivity in Tourism services at the Kenyan coast. The association’s coastal offices in Mombasa were this week visited by a high-powered delegation from the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) headed by Sector Commander Madam Patricia Buore and Inspector David Kibet Ruto. Its visit comes as a major step to enhancing the safety and regulation of the region’s tourism industry.

Boosting Security for a Burgeoning Travel Industry

KATA Coast has intensified its call for more cooperation between travel players at the Coast and the Tourism Police as businesses dealing with tourism services are rapidly expanding, particularly in peak seasons and when cruise ships arrive at the Mombasa Port. Mr Patrick Kamanga, KATA Coast Liaison Officer and Ms Joan Wande, the Coast Executive Officer, said security arrangements need be planned in advance and especially for major events, large group tours. The discussion focused on how to ensure the safety of tourists through improved coordination and early security engagement for tour operators.

One of the key messages of the discussions was that the TPU needed to be more mobile and better resourced if it was to respond to growing pressures from the tourism sector. With the bigger crowd visiting Mombasa and the Kenya coast as a whole on a yearly basis, the TPU is vital in ensuring the safety of the public. KATA, which seeks to put its own and public industry resources behind security operations, envisions a more resilient, safe and welcoming destination for holidaymakers and industry players through cooperation.

Prioritizing Tourism and Commercial Safety in Kenya’s Coast Region

The measures to improve security are about more than logistical issues, they’re also about business confidence in Kenya’s coastal tourism industry. As visitor numbers increase every year, said the partnership between KATA, Tourism Police and the travel agencies add enhance Kenya’s status as a safe, appealing destination for international tourists. The government’s national long-term tourism and business growth strategies are supported by this decision, which aims to increase Kenya’s performance on the East African market.

“We are happy to learn that working together between tourism stakeholders and Tourism Police has been continuous even when it comes to the peak season coming up,” Mr. Kamanga said. “This collaboration will offer a long-term future for tourism in the region by balancing security and tourism needs.”

Kisumu in the right trajectory: Safarilink launches new routes

As security ties gradually emerge on the coast, KATA’s counterparts in Kisumu struggle with air travel connectivity with links to Safarilink for KATA agents. Kisumu, which is a vital town in Western Kenya has attracted rapid business and tourism expansion. Recently, Safarilink unveiled a cool new route direct from Kisumu to Entebbe, Uganda launching in October 2025. This new route is also further good news in that it will open up cross-border travel, enabling linkages between Kenya and Uganda and, hopefully, bolster Uganda’s regional tourism and business flow.

The Western Liaison for KATA, Ms. Grace Ogwa, added that the entry of this route will allow more prospects to tourists as well as businessmen in the Lake Victoria region. “The Kisumu-Entebbe route will increase efficiency in travel and trade in the East African region, it will not only blossoming the tourism industry but also support businesses,” said Ogwa.

It is good news for Kisumu having more routes, as it enables easier access to other parts of Western Kenya. Secondly, local businesses in the region are also expected to reap from these connectivity between Kenya and their Ugandan counterparts, and indeed Kenyan investors and tourists will get through into the countries to sampled Lake Victoria, a source of life and livelihood among Kenyan fishermen, Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and Kisumu Museum amongst others.

Connectivity upgrade spurs business and tourism opportunities

For travellers, the prospect of new flight paths between Kenya and Uganda means a greater choice of flights, lower travel times and fares. With Kisumu becoming a gateway destination, travellers will have smooth access to the cultural and natural attractions of the two countries. Whether it’s between Kenyan safaris and Ugandan historic sites, the new route will encourage more travel between Rwanda and its sister East African nations.

For commercial travelers, these routes present new and thrilling potential for cooperation and investment in the East African region. The introduction of these new routes will boost the economies of Kisumu and Entebbe, as it becomes easier for businesses on both ends to engage in business. The introduction of the new service, which is part of the SafariLink’s plans to deepen its reach of destinations within the region, demonstrates the carrier’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity in East Africa.

Future of tourism in Kenya: Safe and efficient travel router.

The rationalisation plan is a part of the broader goals of KATA and has seen the launch of several projects in 2018, from security improvements, to strengthening robust airline partnerships and more, which help set the scene for all-year tourism. When it comes to making tourist travel safer in Mombasa, or making flight routes for Kisumu, KATA is leading the way for a future of Kenya Tourism that is sustainable, safe, and connected.

As the region’s infrastructure and safety precautions continue to improve, Kenya is well positioned to become one of East Africa’s top tourist attractions, with a little bit of everything, from adventure to culture to business. KATA remains at the forefront of these efforts, calling for a vibrant, shared tourism ecosystem that maintains a fine balance between security and growth.

Fast tips for travelers in Kisumu and at the coast

Keep abreast with Security Guidelines If it is a visit to Mombasa or Kisumu that you wish to undertake, ensure that you are informed of the local security situation and follow all security guidelines and travel advisories of the government and KATA at all times.

Book Flights Early: Considering that Safarilink’s Kisumu-Entebbe intended route is likely to be in high demand, book early for the best fares.

Visit Local Attractions: In Kisumu, the natural beauty of Lake Victoria offers excursions, while in Mombasa, you can visit historical locations such as Fort Jesus.

Supporting local businesses: Watch for local tourism operators and businesses in these emerging regions, to support the growing economy.

Bottom Line

The Future is Bright for Kenya’s Tourism Industry If you have any more conclusion these visitors should know let us know in the comment box below!

DYNAMIC PARTNERSHIP KATA still remains a catalyst in the growth of tourism in Kenya through creative partnerships and innovation. By initiating partnerships between the security agencies, airlines and local business KATA will see to it that Kenya remains a destination of choice for both tourists and business travelers. With the opening of new flight routes, enhancement of safety and an increasing emphasis on responsible growth of the sector, the Kenya tourism in the coming years will flourish. As a tourist, you have a lot to choose from, regardless of whether you are on holiday or business, and with more and more great things being done to make the country a top tourist destination, the future of tourism in the area really does look great.