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"speaker_name": "Kilifi North, ODM",
"speaker_title": "Hon. Owen Baya",
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"content": " Hon. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 44(2) (c), I wish to request for a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism, regarding measures to revive the tourism sector in the country, particularly at the Coast region, during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Until January 2019, the tourism sector was the second highest foreign exchange earner in the country, contributing approximately 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product and employing over two million Kenyans directly and indirectly. In addition, at least 60 per cent of the Kenya’s Coast economy has always been driven by the tourism and hospitality industry. Regrettably, the COVID-19 pandemic has spelt doom on the industry and the economy of the country, particularly in the Coast region, resulting to massive loss of approximately 80,000 jobs and closure of businesses. The traditional international tourism markets have continued to blacklist destinations in Kenya, with Italy, which is the major tourism market for the Coast region, maintaining Kenya on the red list, and most other European countries doing the same. This, coupled with COVID-19 restrictions and protocols, has seen destinations such as Kilifi, Malindi, Watamu and Mambrui which have become ghost towns, registering negligible hotel occupancy. This has affected not only the economy, but has also compromised the livelihoods of the area population. It is against this background that I seek a Statement from the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Sports, Culture and Tourism. In the Statement, the Chairperson should address the following issues: (i) Are there plans by the Government to carry out a vaccination programme for tourism and hospitality workers, particularly in the Coast region? (ii) Does the Ministry have in place a tourism recovery plan, including marketing campaigns and public relations strategies with a view to reviving the tourism sector? (iii) What measures has the Government put in place to cushion tourism sector players, businesses and investments in the tourism and hospitality industry, including but not limited to waivers and amenities on tax, tourism licences and catering levy? (iv) Could the Government consider rolling out economic recovery support measures, including social protection measures for the local people who lost their jobs following the outbreak of COVID-19 to cushion them from the effects of the pandemic? The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}