Kenya Set to Classify Hotels After 10-Year Wait, Boosting Quality, Tourism Standards

Kenya, January 15, 2026 - After a decade of delays, the Kenyan government has finally announced the rollout of a comprehensive hotel classification programme, aimed at standardising quality across the hospitality sector and improving the country’s competitiveness as a top tourism destination.

The move is expected to equip travelers, both domestic and international, with clearer service expectations while encouraging investment in quality upgrades across the industry. The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has confirmed it will begin classifying hotels and accommodation facilities under a star-rating system, a long-planned initiative that had repeatedly stalled due to shifting policy priorities, funding constraints and institutional bottlenecks.

Once implemented, hotels will be officially graded from one to five stars based on internationally recognised criteria covering facilities, services, safety and customer experience. The classification will be voluntary initially, with mandatory compliance likely phased in after an adjustment period to allow hoteliers time to meet minimum standards.

Kenya’s hotel classification journey stretches back to the 2010s, when tourism authorities first began drafting guidelines that would align county-level operations with national and global benchmarks. However, several factors delayed the rollout: Institutional hurdles: Frequent restructuring within the tourism ministry and related agencies slowed policy implementation.

Lack of clear guidelines: Previous draft criteria lacked harmonisation, leading to confusion among hoteliers and regulators. Funding constraints: Classification inspections and rating systems require sustained resources, which were diverted to other priorities, including crisis responses such as COVID-19 and security fluctuations.

Tourism stakeholders have repeatedly called for the classification system, arguing that Kenya’s recovery post-pandemic and increased global competition make quality assurance essential. Sources within the ministry say the new classification framework will assess hotels on:

1. Accommodation quality & amenities: Room size, beds, furniture, plumbing, electricals and comfort.

2. Food & beverage services: Restaurants, menus, hygiene and service standards.

3. Safety & security: Fire prevention, emergency planning, guest safety measures.

4. Customer service & guest experience: Reception, staff training, multilingual assistance and digital services.