The Kenya State Department for Tourism, through Principal Secretary Julius Bitok, has strongly condemned remarks by impeached deputy president Rigathi Gachagua urging foreign tourists and investors to avoid Kenya.The statement warns that such alarmist comments risk damaging Kenya's tourism reputation, which has been built over years.Kenya welcomed 2.7 million international visitors in 2025, with a target of five million by 2028.Tourism contributes nearly 10% to Kenya's GDP, injecting over KSh 1.7 trillion annually and supporting two million jobs.

Bitok urged political leaders to treat tourism as a non-partisan national interest, stressing that reduced visitor confidence affects ordinary Kenyans.

The Kenya Tourism Federation echoed these concerns, warning that political instability threatens the sector and that rebuilding tourist confidence once damaged is challenging.Gachagua's remarks, made during a church service in Kirinyaga, cited insecurity as a reason for urging tourists to avoid Kenya.