The tourist industry has become the largest export earner in Kenya. In Kenya's economy, the tourist sector adopting the role of first national industry that renders larger profits than coffee export and is the main source of foreign exchange. Its contribution to GDP of 12% makes it the third most important productive sector. Kenya receives one million tourists each year, with a hotel capacity above 9 million beds. Tourism forms a vital foundation for the country's economy and is highlights two of Kenya's most unique features: wildlife and beaches. Careful planning and proactive leadership have maximized the tourism potential as Kenya continually outpaces its East African neighbors. A solid infrastructure coupled with a devotion to wildlife conservation has propelled Kenya to the forefront of the regional tourism industry.

Given that tourism in Kenya is primarily based on wildlife, authorities set to launch projects aimed at the conservation of wildlife against its natural enemies: poaching and illegal traffic of animal species. Over the past years, the development of tourism infrastructures in other African countries is a threat for the health of Kenya's tourist sector. The Kenyan government attempts to revert this trend by means of strong investments in hotel infrastructure and communications.