Kenya expands hotel classification to 16 new counties to improve quality standards
The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) is extending its nationwide hotel classification programme to 16 additional counties as part of efforts to enhance tourism quality standards across Kenya.
The new assessment will cover hospitality facilities in three main regions: lower eastern and North Eastern (including Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui), South Coast (Mombasa, Kwale, and Taita Taveta), and North Coast (Kilifi, Tana River, and Lamu). This follows similar exercises completed in Mount Kenya, North and South Rift, and Nairobi regions.
The classification system awards quality marks ranging from bronze to gold under the national accreditation scheme, and star ratings under the East African Community system. TRA emphasises that accreditation helps ensure sustainable service quality improvement and customer satisfaction.
The initiative aims to provide visitors with clear guidance on service quality expectations while creating opportunities for tourism businesses, particularly SMEs, to compete effectively. The programme follows successful classifications in other regions during the three months to July 2023.
TRA notes that customer satisfaction significantly influences repeat visits, leading to increased business profitability and revenue growth.
Source: Business Daily Africa