Uhuru’s Directive Hits Hard On The Hotel Sector

By Etale Martha

Since the reopening of the country, there have been signs of recovery in restaurants and cafes. The President’s announcement of another closure has hit hard on hotels and restaurants.

Most restaurants in the Nairobi CBD have shut down following the restricted guidelines impacted by the rising cases of covid 19 infections. The ones that are still operating opt for takeaways and home deliveries.

“It is regrettable that after so much effort to offer safe services, the lockdown has returned. Like many others, we are feeling the weight of the virus,” said the Alcoholic Beverages  Association of Kenya Gordon Mutungi.

The president’s directives mean Kenyans will have to spend their Easter celebrations under lockdown. During normal Easter holidays, restaurants record huge numbers of clients including domestic tourists and inbound tourists.

The third wave although has affected both tourists. From Coast to Naivasha, Masai Mara to Western, restaurants has recorded massive cancellations from the booked clients. This brings the restaurants to huge losses since they had prepared adequately to gain profits.

Dr. Ikwaye Sasid executive officer of the  Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and caterers said, “Hotels have stocked up for Easter, hired more staff and committed resources. But now Easter won’t happen and this leaves them in a very bad position.”

Kenya Tourism federation in an open letter sought a review of restrictions in which it said that it has put at risk the jobs of 1.3 million workers in the industry. Massive job losses will be triggered. Tourism is a major contributor to Kenya’s economy. The country’s economy is then expected to be affected negatively. 

Mombasa County Chief officer for Tourism and Trade Ms. Asha Abdi urged the government to allow travel to the tourism destinations with unauthenticated coronavirus negative certification.