MPs Reject Proposal to Merge Tourism Research Institute with Kenya Tourism Board
Parliamentary committee opposes merging Tourism Research Institute with Kenya Tourism Board, urging increased funding to strengthen tourism research.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 21, 2026
2 min read
Members of Parliament from the Tourism and Wildlife Committee have voiced strong opposition to the proposed merger of the Tourism Research Institute (TRI) with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). They argue that the merger could undermine the institute's role and negatively impact the tourism sector’s growth and stability.
The concerns were raised during a meeting held on Thursday at Bunge Tower, which brought together tourism stakeholders and government officials, including Tourism Principal Secretary Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok. The session was chaired by Committee Chairperson Kareke Mbiuki and focused on the Tourism (Amendment) Bill, 2026, sponsored by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
MPs Call for Strengthening TRI Instead of Merging
- Mbiuki emphasised the importance of research in tourism development, noting that many developed countries have thrived due to significant investment in research institutions.
- He criticised the proposed absorption of TRI into KTB, stating it would be detrimental to the sector.
- Vice Chairperson Bedzima Juma (Kisauni), Mohammed Ruweida (Lamu East), and Abdi Chome (Voi) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dependence of their coastal constituencies on a robust tourism industry supported by strong institutions.
- Ruweida raised concerns over potential job losses for TRI staff if the merger proceeds.
- Chome called for maintaining TRI’s independence and ensuring it receives sufficient funding to carry out impactful research.
Funding Challenges at the Heart of TRI’s Performance
Mbiuki questioned the rationale behind the merger proposal, attributing TRI’s underperformance primarily to inadequate funding rather than structural issues. He criticised the Kenya Tourism Fund for selective disbursement of resources, suggesting that government agencies must seek its approval before accessing funds.
Principal Secretary Bitok acknowledged that financial constraints have hindered TRI’s effectiveness. He urged the committee to advocate for increased funding to enable the institute to fulfill its mandate. Bitok also affirmed that research is vital for the future of Kenya’s tourism sector and supported efforts to strengthen TRI without diminishing its role.
The committee plans to incorporate stakeholder feedback into its report on the Tourism (Amendment) Bill, ensuring that the institute’s role is preserved and reinforced.
