Waiving taxes will not boost tourism sector, says MP

KWALE COUNTY

Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori has rejected proposals to waive VAT and taxes for hotels that have suffered massive losses due to Western travel advisories.

Instead, the MP wants the National Government to boost the country’s security saying this will attract more investors.

“This is a national tragedy that requires concerted efforts to revive it. Even if we waive taxes, we still will not attract tourists if the security situation remains the way it is,” said Dori whose constituency houses most hotels that have been affected by the advisories and evacuation of western tourists.

Kenyan officials have reacted angrily to the western travel advisories and terror alerts with President Uhuru Kenyatta accusing the West of economic sabotage.

The President said that these Western tourists will be replaced by those from Asia, Africa and even Kenyans.

NOT SAFE

However, in an interview with The Standard yesterday, Dori said with the volatile security situation in Kenya, even local tourists, that the President is talking about, will not feel safe to visit the coastal region.

“Who says that local people do not require security?” Dori asked.

The MP now said all security apparatus, including intelligence gathering departments need to improve and support government’s anti-terror efforts.

“I believe Kwale is only second to Samburu in matters tourism and most residents here depend on it for their livelihood. We are calling for stringent security measures by all agencies involved to ensure our economy does not go down the drain,” he said.