August International Arrivals Kenya Tourism

August recorded the highest number of international visitor arrivals in Kenya in 2025, highlighting peak travel demand during the year, according to the latest report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).

The survey shows that 277,155 international visitors arrived in the country in August 2025, the highest monthly figure recorded during the year, followed by July with 257,044 arrivals and December with 238,210.

The report indicates that overall international arrivals grew by 6.2 per cent from 2.40 million in 2024 to 2.55 million in 2025, signalling a steady recovery and resilience in the tourism sector.

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“Similarly, Kenya experienced an increase in the number of tourist arrivals, growing by 6.2 per cent to 2,550,600 in 2025,” the report stated.

Data shows that arrivals through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport were higher in most months of 2025 compared to the previous year, pointing to increased inbound travel across key entry points.

The August peak aligns with the traditional high tourism season, when favourable weather and global holiday calendars attract visitors to Kenya’s parks, beaches and cultural attractions.

The report further shows that the majority of international visitors travelled to Kenya for holiday purposes, underlining the country’s appeal as a leisure destination.

“International visitors on holiday purposes accounted for the largest share at 47.8 per cent of total international arrivals in 2025, an increase from 44.1 per cent recorded in 2024,” the report said.

This translates to more than 1.2 million visitors arriving in the country primarily for leisure, reinforcing the role of tourism as a key driver of foreign earnings.

Business travel accounted for 25.2 per cent of arrivals, a slight decline from 26.8 per cent recorded in 2024, while transit visitors made up 3.3 per cent. Those travelling for other purposes accounted for 23.7 per cent of total arrivals.

The report attributes the growth in tourism to improved infrastructure, sustained marketing efforts and a rise in domestic travel, which has complemented international arrivals.

“Visitors to national parks and game reserves grew by 5.7 per cent to 3,954,500 in 2025, driven by improved tourism performance associated with growing domestic travel, enhanced infrastructure, and sustained marketing efforts,” KNBS said.

Hotel occupancy also improved during the period, with bed-nights increasing by 12.6 per cent to 11.56 million. Notably, Kenyan residents accounted for 45 per cent of the occupancy, reflecting the growing importance of domestic tourism.

Conference tourism also posted gains, with local conferences rising by 12.9 per cent to 12,671, while international conferences reached 998.

“The growth in conferences was mainly driven by the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions sub-sector,” the report notes.

However, the report indicates a decline in visits to museums, snake parks and historical sites, which dropped by 3.6 per cent to 1.11 million visitors in 2025.

KNBS says the sustained increase in international arrivals reflects the sector’s resilience and its close link to overall economic growth.

“The continued growth underscores the sector’s resilience and the intertwined linkage with economic growth,” the report stated.

The data places tourism among the sectors showing consistent recovery, with August emerging as the standout month in attracting international visitors, largely driven by holiday travel.