Lift advisories, visiting tourists tell the West

A group of American tourists visiting Masai Mara Game Reserve have asked western countries to lift travel advisories issued against the country on allegations of heightened insecurity.

Despite the few attacks hitting the country, they said Kenya is safer than the US and other western States and advised the countries to lift the advisories and encourage their citizens to visit Kenya.

"Insecurity is an international problem. We ask the countries to lift the advisories," said Larry Boughter from the state of Arizona when he led his counterparts in donating Sh14 million towards the construction of classrooms at Oloorg'nayio Primary School, near the reserve.

Noting that they were aware that insecurity and the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa had affected tourism sector in the country, they promised to be in the forefront in giving the country a positive image, internationally.

"Kenya has hospitable people and a good climate. We are surprised that what is reported by the western media is not actually what is on the ground. As friends of this country, we will go out of our way to paint a good picture of it," said Christine Pernick from California, who is visiting the country for the second time in two years.

Into Africa Eco Travel Ltd Managing Director Patrick Wanjohi said the tourism sector performed dismally this year adding that insecurity and Ebola outbreak had affected arrivals between July and October peak season in Mara and the Coast. His company was given the contract to construct classrooms for the school.

"We are happy that citizens of some countries that have issued advisories are campaigning for the same to be lifted. This will give tourism a new lease of life. The Government should also go market the country," he said.

Meanwhile, County Police Commander Samuel Mukindia has assured tourists and other visitors who will be visiting the Mara during the Christmas and New Year holidays of their safety, adding that security will be beefed up.

"Police will be stationed at all gates and other entry points to check on arrivals. We are not going to leave anything to chance in ensuring our visitors are safe," he said.

The Canadian government in October on its website advised its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution, due to the increasing number of terrorist attacks and incidents of crime.