The proposed *Tourism and Hospitality Practitioners Bill, 2023*, currently awaiting Senate approval, seeks to introduce new regulations for workers in Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sector, including mandatory practicing licenses for those in hotels, restaurants, bars, and lodges. The bill, sponsored by Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza, aims to enhance professionalism by regulating key areas such as licensing, education, training, industry standards, and consumer protection.
Under the bill, the tourism and hospitality sectors would be further regulated by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), which would be responsible for ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Tandaza emphasized the importance of education and training, proposing a diploma as the minimum qualification for professionals in these industries. Workers currently holding certificates will have a five-year period to upgrade their qualifications.
The bill also aims to address industry-specific concerns, including conflict of interest, specialized expertise, growth promotion, and establishing compliance and enforcement mechanisms. MP Ruweida Obo highlighted the need for capacity-building programs, especially for local beach operators who may be skilled in foreign languages but lack formal education.
MPs Kareke Mbiuki and Innocent Mugabe expressed support for the bill, describing it as a critical step toward reforming Kenya’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
