Kenya Targets Ugandan Tourists, Plans Rail Link to Boost Cross-Border Travel

By Chemtai Kirui

 

KAMPALA, May 21 – Kenya is pushing to draw more Ugandan tourists and strengthen regional travel links through air and rail as part of efforts to boost cross-border tourism, officials said on Tuesday.

 

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano told reporters at the Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo in Kampala that improved transport would support travel between the two countries.

 

Kenya Airways operates four daily flights between Nairobi and Kampala, while Uganda Airlines runs two.

 

Miano said the government plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to the Malaba border to support trade and regional movement.

 

“Infrastructure will be key to easing travel across East Africa,” she said.

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei said Uganda remains one of Kenya’s key tourism markets.

 

“We’re here to build partnerships and promote regional travel by combining our tourism products,” she said.

 

KTB is targeting Uganda through events like the Bride and Groom Expo and social media campaigns.

 

In an earlier campaign, KTB worked with Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo to promote Kenyan destinations.

 

Miano also said the government is investing in youth through tourism and conservation programs.

 

Plans include a regional youth hub and training to help young people enter the sector.

 

The annual expo, organised by the Uganda Tourism Board, brings together travel trade professionals from across East Africa and beyond to promote regional tourism and business partnerships.

 

Uganda ranks among Kenya’s top five African source markets for tourism.