MPs reject plan to merge Tourism Research Institute with Tourism Board

Members of Kenya's National Assembly Tourism and Wildlife Committee have voiced opposition to merging the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), arguing that TRI should maintain its independence. This stance was expressed during a meeting on August 20, 2026, between committee members and tourism sector stakeholders led by Principal Secretary Julius Bitok.

The National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, had proposed changes to several tourism institutions through the Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which included dissolving TRI and transferring its functions to KTB. However, committee members expressed concerns that weakening TRI's research function could hinder efforts to plan and develop the sector.

Committee Chairperson Mbiuki Kareke argued that TRI's research function is crucial, citing the success of developed countries that have heavily invested in research. Vice Chairperson Bedzima Juma, Mohammed Ruweida, and Abdi Chome, all from constituencies heavily reliant on tourism, also opposed the merger, urging increased funding for TRI instead.

Ruweida raised concerns about the impact on TRI's employees, fearing job losses if the merger proceeded. Chome emphasized the importance of retaining TRI's independence and providing sufficient resources for research to guide the tourism sector.

Kareke attributed TRI's challenges to inadequate funding, questioning why the institute was being considered for absorption rather than being supported to perform its mandate. He criticized the Kenya Tourism Fund (KTF) for its role in distributing resources among institutions under the Tourism Ministry, stating that KTF has become dominant and that government entities must "kneel before it" before receiving funds.

Bitok acknowledged financial constraints affecting TRI but emphasized that research remains vital for guiding decisions and investments in the tourism industry.

The committee, chaired by Mbiuki Kareke, will consider stakeholder submissions as it prepares its report on the proposed amendments. The debate highlights the future of tourism research at the center of discussions on reorganizing institutions within the sector, with stakeholders expected to continue presenting their views as Parliament considers the proposed changes.