An Attractive Quality Destination
To develop and promote a conducive regulatory environment for a dynamic, competitive and sustainable tourism sector
To regulate The Tourism sector in Kenya.
Core Values
Who We Are
Legal Provisions
The Tourism Act, 2011 and Tourism Regulatory Authority, Regulations 2014 make the following provisions for licensing:
- Section 7(1) (c) requires tourist-related activities and services including cottages and private residences engaged in guest house services to be licensed by TRA.
- Section 98(1) requires any person carrying out a tourism business or service specified in the Ninth Schedule to get a license from TRA.
- Section 19(1) requires TRA licenses to be renewed three months before expiry.
- Section 19(2) stipulates a penalty of 10% of the license fee for every month’s delay in renewing a license.
- Section 29(1) mandates TRA officers to regularly inspect tourism facilities and services where non-compliance is suspected or for purposes of granting or renewing a license.
- Section 112 imposes a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings, imprisonment for a term not exceeding eighteen months, or both for any person contravening this Act.
- The Fourth Schedule lists the license fee for various tourism activities and services.
The Authority derives its powers to regulate the tourism sector from the Tourism Act, 2011. The objective and purpose of the Authority is to regulate the tourism sector. The functions of The Regulatory Authority as provided by the Act are:
To formulate guidelines and prescribe measures for sustainable tourism throughout the country.
To regulate tourism activities and services countrywide, in accordance with the national tourism strategy.
To register, license and grade all sustainable tourism and tourist-related activities and services including cottages and private residences engaged in guest house services.
To develop and implement, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, criteria for standardization and classification of tourism facilities and services.
To develop and regulate, in consultation with the Ministry for the time being responsible for matters relating to education, tourism and hospitality curriculum, examination and certification.
To develop and implement a code of practice for the tourism sector.
To ensure the development and implementation of high-quality tourism sector.
To monitor and assess tourist activities and services to enhance continuous improvement and adherence to sound principles and practices of sustainable tourism.
To undertake annual assessment and audit of tourism activities and services, measures and initiatives at national level, and prepare and publish an annual national tourism sector status report, in consultation with the minister and relevant lead agencies, and
Perform any other functions that are ancillary to the object and purpose for which the Authority is established.
TRA Brochure
Click here to read and download our Brochure.
Strategic Plan 2023-2027
Click here to read or download the Strategic Plan.
Tourism Act & Regulations.
Click here to read or download the Tourism Act.
Hon. Benjamin J. Washiali, CBS
Mr. Kennedy Olwasi
Grace Wangui Kamau
Mr. Alex K. Munyao
Josephine Kinyuti
Mr. Alex Cleland Atingo
Mr. Eric M. Kiniti
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Mr. James Sitieney
Mr. Norbert K. Talam
Directorates
Standards and Quality Assurance
The department plays a pivotal role in enhancing the standards, professionalism and quality of products and services delivery in the tourism sector and supporting the regulatory function of the Authority as stipulated under section 7 (a) of the Tourism Act, 2011. The activities are coordinates through two divisions; Standards and Quality Assurance divisions based at the headquarters of the Authority.
Compliance and Trade Facilitation
This is one of the technical departments of the Authority and is responsible for the development, review and implementation of policies, regulations, guidelines and strategies in line with TRA mandates; registration and licensing of tourism-regulated enterprises; enforcement of compliance to regulatory provisions, national directory of regulated tourism activities and services; specialist/expert regulatory advisory services; continuous improvement of tourist activities and services and adherence to sound principles and practices of sustainable tourism; and duty waiver exemptions; and annual tourism status report per Tourism Act, 2011.
Corporate Support Services
The department is responsible for overall support services and its functions include Finance and Accounts; Human Resource Management, Information Communication Technology (ICT) management, corporate strategy and planning, Records Management and general administration functions of the Authority.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Hon. Washiali is the Board Chairman, Tourism Regulatory Authority. He is a self-driven, innovative, analytical, fast learner and a team player with over 40 years of experience both in the private and public sectors.
Prior to joining Tourism Regulatory Authority, Hon. Washiali served for 15 years as a member of Parliament for Mumias Constituency and a Majority Whip in the National Assembly. He runs a logistics company and has previously served in various departments at the National Cereals and Produce Board and uplands bacon factory for over 20 years.
He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from The University impresario de Costa Rica and a Diploma in Export Practice & International Marketing from the Kenya School of Exports and Imports. During his career progression, he has acquired various skills and attended several training programs both locally and internationally.
Hon. Washiali has Proven success in leadership and Governance with a keen understanding of legislation and representation.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Mr. Peterson Muriithi Njenga holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and currently undertaking a Master’s Degree in Economics.
He joined the then Ministry of Planning, National Development and Vision 2030 in April 2008 as an economist/statistician II and has risen over the years to the level of Chief Economist in the State Department for Planning
During his working career, he has gotten extensive training and experience in Economic Development, Policy Formulation & Analysis and Strategic Planning and Budgeting in the public sector.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Mr. Kennedy Olwasi is currently an Assistant Director Programmes & Strategic Initiatives, Ministry of Environment & Forestry, Kenya having previously worked as District Agricultural Officer in a number of stations in Kenya. He has also worked as a Policy and Institutional Capacity specialist for over 5 years and a further 4 years as a Research Assistant at the International Centre for Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE, Kenya).
Mr. Kennedy Olwasi is currently the technical lead in the development of Integrated Masterplans for Rehabilitation and Restoration of Cherangany Elgeyo Hills ecosystem as well as the Tsavo landscape.
He also represents the Ministry of Environment & Forestry in a number of platforms including technical Committee on Environment and Forestry at the EAC Sectoral Council of Ministers (SECOM)) and Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee, he is a member of the International Association of Impact Assessments (IAIA) and the Environment Institute of Kenya.
He holds a BSc and MSc degree in Agronomy from Egerton University and currently undertaking a PhD on climate change Adaptation, Institute of climate Change Adaptation, University of Nairobi. He also holds a number of certificates including on Green and Circular Economy, Copenhagen University, Denmark, Strategic Leadership, Kenya School of Government Kenya, Environmental Impact assessment and Audit, Kenya School of Agriculture and multidisciplinary, Monitoring and Evaluation and adaptive learning, Egerton University.
He holds a certificate in ISO Audit by Bureau veritas International among other trainings.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Grace Wangui Kamau is a lawyer by profession and an Advocate of the High Court with 19 years experience. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from University of Nairobi and Certified Secretaries (CS) foundation level, qualification.
She is currently a Deputy Chief State Counsel in the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife and has previously worked at Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure. While at Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure she was a member of the Secretariat to the Steering Committee that established Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA). She has worked as Ag. Corporation Secretary for NaMATA and legal advisor to the Engineers Board of Kenya. She also worked as a litigation lawyer at the Office of the Attorney General for 6 years.
She is a member of the Ministerial Human Resource Management and Advisory Committee (MHRMAC) and Medium Term Plan Committee and has served in various other key committees in Ministries.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Mr. James Sitieney holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) from Kenyatta University; A Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Business from the University of Nairobi, Senior Management Course from Kenya School of Government and a member of the Kenya Association for Public Administration and Management (KAPAM).
He also possesses a Certificate in Leadership and Policy Implementation from ESAMI; Effective Audit and Oversight (Institute of Directors); Computer Application and Proficiency from African Institute of Research and Development Studies.
He has a wealth of hands-on experience in Corporate Governance; Leadership and Policy implementation; In addition, he has worked in the Public Sector spanning over twenty-five years in various Departments and agencies.
Currently, Mr. Sitieney works at the Inspectorate of State Corporations-Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS)-Executive Office of the President.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Alex is a result driven and a strategic business marketing leader with a proven track record of achieving substantial revenue, market share and profitability growth. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing business excellence, strategic management, brand positioning, innovation and customer insights to position companies as industry leaders and achieve mission critical objectives.
Alex is the founder and managing Director of Trillion consulting Services (TCS) and he possesses over 20 years’ experience in agri-business value chains, finance, sales, marketing and commercial management. His accomplishments include successfully establishing multinational companies such as Sealadair, Diversey and Black Ivy in Africa. in addition, founded Trillion consultancy Services (TCS), a specialized business advisory service provider offering tailored services to meet the unique needs of clients in agri-business sector.
Alex holds master’s management of Agribusiness from Strathmore University of Kenya, Bachelor of science in business administration from Auburn University, Alabama, USA and Associate’s degree in finance from Atlanta metropolitan college, Atlanta Georgia, USA.
He is an associate member of world economic forum Africa, Member of American Chamber of Commerce – Kanya, Member of Lagos state corporate Assembly – Nigeria, National speakers association (USA), Director, Finance committee, for Nairobi Babtist Church and Chairman HGF, Karen/Dagoreti.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Josephine Wambui Kinyuti is an experienced Communication/Public Relations Practitioner with a proven track record of over 10 years. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications/PR from Daystar University and currently undertaking a Course in Women Emerging Leaders.
She is skilled in developing and executing impactful publicity strategies and campaigns, polished in coordinating creation of visual communications and digital assets and demonstrating expertise in design and project management. She possesses a deep understanding of branding communication trends and audience engagement techniques.
She has vast experience in conceptualizing and implementing comprehensive publicity strategies that align with organizational goals effectively reaching target audiences. She is proficient in writing and producing a wide range of content, including audio and visual presentations, press releases, and social media posts.
She is highly rated in showcasing the ability to tailor messaging for different platforms and audiences. She has successfully executed numerous publicity campaigns, combining creative thinking with strategic planning that maximizes campaigns impact and reach. Previously, Josephine worked for different media houses as a radio presenter.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Alex is a multi-skilled professional with over 15 years’ experience in starting and leading a successful logistics company. Expertise spans in areas including but not limited to transportation, warehousing, importation and exportation as well as custom procedures and processes.
He is the Chief Executive Officer for superior cargo conveyors company Ltd. His greatest achievements have been proven ability to develop and strengthen business units and structures that maximize business profitability and efficiency. Alex vied as a member of National assembly for Lugari constituency in the just concluded 2022 National elections.
He holds a master of science in Governance & Leadership from Jomo Kenyatta University of science and Technology (JKUAT), Bachelors in Management & Leadership, Management university of Africa (MUA), Advanced Diploma in Business management, the Association of business executives UK, Diploma in Business management, the Association of business executives UK and Diploma in clearing & forwarding, City Institute of professional studies.
He is an associate member of the association of business executives, UK.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Eric Kiniti is currently the Group Corporate Relations Director at East African Breweries Limited a subsidiary of Diageo PLC a position he has held since 2016. He has over 19 years of experience in Environment, Social and governance (ESG), public policy, and communications. Before joining EABL in 2011, he worked at British American Tobacco from 2004.
He is a board member at Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), and a member of the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK).
He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics from Kenyatta University. He has completed several leadership development programs among them the Leadership Development Programme (LDP), at Gordon Institute of Business (GIBS) in South Africa, the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) at the Strathmore Business School, the Fast Forward Leadership Development Programme at Sunwords Kenya, the Effective Director programme at Strathmore Business School and the Oxford Leading Sustainable Corporations Programme, at the University of Oxford.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Norbert Talam is the Director General, Tourism Regulatory Authority. He is a Finance Executive with over twenty (20) years’ impressive track record in implementing high impact growth strategies, robust internal controls, and efficient reporting system.
Norbert is an Expert in leveraging logical and critical thinking behind the numbers that drive organization strategy, bolster efficiency, and propel achievements of strategic financial goals.
He has Proven success in leadership, operational excellence and organizational development with keen understanding of managing multiple grants, operational efficiency and overall technical assistance.
Prior joining TRA, Norbert served as Chief Executive Officer, Company Secretary and Head of Finance at the First Community Bank in Kenya for over 10 years. He also served in finance departments at K-Rep Bank (Sidian Bank), Kenya Airways (KQ) and Safari for Less Ltd.
Norbert is a Member of Institute of Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), Institute of Public Secretaries of Kenya (ICPSK) and Institute of Directors (IOD).
He Holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nairobi, and a Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting Option) from the Catholic University (C.U.E.A). He is a Certified Public Secretaries (CPS – K) and a Certified Public Accountant-K (CPA-K)
Norbert has achieved among others, to introduce an accreditation scheme in the Tourism and hospitality sector that ensures conformity with quality standards in the Tourism sector in Kenya, Initiated the second phase of classification and grading of accommodation and catering facilities, he has managed to also Automate Tourism services within the Authority for ease of doing business, Reviewed various policies to transform the Tourism sector and is working closely with sector players and stakeholders in co-regulation of the Tourism sector in Kenya.
Mr. Joseph Kamau
Joseph is a highly motivated professional with over 25 years’ experience in Finance, Economics and Investments. He has demonstrated expertise in financial management, and Corporate Governance.
He has vast experience in both private and public sectors having served in the banking sector and currently serving as an economist at the National Treasury. He is experienced in Economic Development, Policy Formulation & Analysis and Budgeting in the public sector.
He holds MBA (Finance), from Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) in South Korea, MA Economics, Finance & Banking (Financial Sector Policy) from Moi University and Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics & Economics from the University of Nairobi.
During his working profession, he has acquired extensive training in Advanced Trainers Skills Development for Senior Trainers (from Kigali Rwanda), Audit Committee Training, Compensation Committee Training and training on Making Boards More Effective (from Harvard Business School), Project appraisal and Risk Management (from Duke University), Senior Management Course (KSG), Corporate Governance Course for Directors(from Center for Corporate Governance), and Oil & Gas Commercialization Transactions Training (from Simmons & Simmons).
He is a certified Investment and Financial Analyst (ICIFA),