Mombasa,KENYA:Political uncertainties have caused a drop in number of tourists visiting the fort Jesus museum .
According to the Public and programmes officer for the Fort Jesus museum in Mombasa, Abdulmajid Raphael Igombo the supreme court ruling is to blame for the drop in numbers it being a high season.
“After the elections the situation was back to normal due to the calmness of Mombasa. The supreme court verdict to hold an election rerun on 17th of October has once again affected the influx of tourists.” Says Mr. Igombo.
“During the month of August, which was the election period, the majority of tourists were domestic, currently, majority of tourists are coming from Germany, Britain and China, although the number is not impressive considering it’s supposed to be the high season.” he added.
This drop in numbers has had a ripple effect on businesses in the area.
Najash Athman Soud who owns a handicraft shop in the area confirmed to Baraka FM that the number of domestic tourists being higher than that of foreign was also detrimental to other businesses in the area.
Her comments were echoed by Khadija Mohamed a food vendor in the area who also argued that the political uncertainty climate could have some effect on the economy of the country.
However Mr Igombo argued that tourists have nothing to worry about since the area was secure and more officers were now patrolling the area
“We call upon them to come in great numbers. They have nothing to worry about since Mombasa is calm and safe, tourists who have visited the area have attested to that” Igombo said.
Last week however, the Kenya Tourism board officials stated that the number of tourists arriving could hit the 1.5 million mark by the end of the year.
