Tourism is no doubt very important in Kenya. It is the second foreign exchange earner and contributes a great deal to our GDP. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife statistics, Kenya is the third-largest travel and tourism economy in Africa after South Africa and Nigeria. In 2019, 2,048,334 international visitors arrived in Kenya. Online travel market places have been the trend. Globally, Airbnb, GetYourGuide, and Expedia have been a success in this space.
The Kenyan youth have not been left behind to innovate and create tech solutions for this sector. While its true most startups focus on financial inclusion and agriculture, a quick search of the internet will capture your attention of some startups in the travel tech space.
This article tries to show you some local tech solutions in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors:
Jiranis Food
Jiranis Food is a web-based platform that connects users with chefs, who host them for meals at their own homes or deliver to the user. The startup is in the sharing economy model. Chefs can register as a host in the platform and list their offering. The startup will also save food tourism that is largely underdeveloped in Kenya.
Cloud 9 XP
Cloud9 XP is an online marketplace for leisure experiences. Tourists are able to book experiences from one portal, whether it is a scuba diving experience, kayaking, or even camping. The website aims to list as many experiences around Kenya and beyond. The startup’s mantra is “High On Life”, as it looks to assist positive, adventure-seeking free spirits in looking for merchandise and experiences.
Karibu Taxi
When travelers have booked their flight tickets, hotels, safaris, and events tickets, and the next thing is to figure out how to leave the airport and get safely to a hotel, resort, restaurant, or attraction. Karibu Taxi is an Online Travel Agency that will be able to list all airport transfer providers in one online portal. Travelers are able to search, compare, book, and pay for their airport transportation ahead of travel. The company has been able to set camp in major airports in Kenya and beyond and now attempting to serve even smaller airports and train stations.
Last Minute Mara
Last Minute Mara is an online booking platform offering last-minute deals to Kenya’s leading nature reserve – the Maasai Mara. The company takes pride in being the country’s first booking portal to make the Mara’s most exclusive camps and lodges available at affordable prices when booked within 30 days of travel. The booking process is seamless and very fast. It has been integrated with air transport such that local travelers can book a camp in the Maasai Mara without calling an agent.
Pitch Kambi
Pitchkambi is a new travel website for campers and nature lovers, where they can find and book campsites and simple nature-based experiences across Kenya. The website handpicks authentic campsites and experiences paired with real pictures, to help our users experience quality nature-based experiences. Through the website, campers will easily search and book their favorite camping experiences seamlessly.
Do you know any travel startups in Kenya? Contact the writer at pkibe@strathmore.edu
This article was written by Peter Kibe.