Kenya’s Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has suspended the licences of four tour operators for violations ranging from employing unlicensed drivers to defrauding tourists during bookings.
The affected firms are Kenmara Tour Operators, Thinkscenes Services Limited, Twinkle Star Tours and Safaris, and Dosasha Tour and Safaris.
The regulator said the companies will not be allowed to resume operations until they meet all compliance requirements.
“This is a big stride forward. We are here to ensure that Kenya’s tourism sector is properly regulated. Rogue operators and unlicensed drivers must come forward and regularise their businesses, or they will not be allowed to operate,” said TRA Director General David Tallam.
TRA board chair Benjamin Washiali joined the enforcement exercise, warning that the authority would not hesitate to take similar action against other non-compliant firms.
“Tourism is one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners, yet for too long it has suffered because of poor regulation. That is why we are leaving our boardrooms and going to the ground to see what is happening and act decisively. We mean business,” he said.
Officials said the crackdown, led by a multi-agency team, began in the Maasai Mara and has since been extended to other major circuits including Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Coast.
Offences flagged included use of unlicensed drivers and fraudulent practices in bookings.
The TRA confirmed that enforcement will extend beyond licensing checks to ensure that guides and drivers are properly trained and certified. Firms found in breach risk fines, suspension, or permanent loss of licences.
To enhance transparency, the authority pledged to regularly publish updated lists of licensed operators online, urging both domestic and international tourists to book only with approved companies.
The crackdowns follow a wave of public complaints over recent tourist misconduct. In one widely shared video, a group of visitors identified as “Skyteam” was seen offering beer to an elephant at a ranch in Laikipia County.
In another incident, tourists were filmed blocking the migration path of thousands of wildebeest.
The footage sparked outrage among Kenyans, with many calling on the Ministry of Tourism to take firm action to protect wildlife and uphold responsible tourism standards.
