Tourism Agencies Face Funding Crisis as MPs Question 2026/27 Budget Exclusions

A parliamentary committee has raised alarm over the exclusion of key Semi-Autonomous Government Agencies (SAGAs) under the tourism docket from the proposed 2026/27 national budget, warning that the move could derail efforts to grow Kenya’s tourism sector.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, chaired by Maara MP Kareke Mbiuki, questioned why agencies under the State Department for Tourism had not been allocated funds despite playing a critical role in promoting, regulating and supporting the country’s tourism industry.

Lawmakers expressed concern that several agencies risk facing a financial crisis after being left out of the budget estimates. The affected institutions include the Tourism Regulatory Authority, Tourism Research Institute, Kenya Tourism Board, Kenya Utalii College, Tourism Fund and the Kenyatta International Convention Centre.

The concerns emerged during a meeting between the committee and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to deliberate on the State Department for Tourism’s 2026/27 budget estimates.

The session also marked Miano’s first appearance before the committee after missing two consecutive meetings, an issue that had previously drawn criticism from Members of Parliament.

In her opening remarks, the Cabinet Secretary apologised for her absence, attributing it to official commitments.

“Allow me to sincerely apologise for my absence during the committee session on Monday as I was engaged in official duties at the just-concluded Africa Forward Summit,” Miano said.

MPs argued that denying tourism agencies funding could significantly undermine efforts to market Kenya as a leading global travel destination and sustain momentum in the sector’s recovery and growth.

The committee was informed that the State Department for Tourism had been allocated Sh17.9 billion in the 2026/27 financial year budget estimates, with Sh11.9 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and Sh6 billion set aside for development spending.

Lawmakers are now expected to push for clarity on the omission of the agencies as scrutiny of the proposed budget continues.