The 4th Uganda – Kenya Coast Tourism Conference & Exhibition concluded at the scenic Ocean Beach Resort & Spa in Malindi, Kenya, marking another milestone in the East African tourism calendar.
Held from October 27th to 28th, 2025, the event drew over 750 delegates from Uganda, Kenya, and other African nations under the theme “Leveraging Youth, Innovation & Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism.”
A Celebration of Collaboration and Progress
The conference followed a lively week of pre-events, including:
- Golf Tournament at Vipingo Ridge on October 25th 2025 .
- Fam Trip for Ugandan Tourism Stakeholders (October 22nd to 26th), exploring the cultural and coastal gems of Malindi, Watamu, and Kilifi.
A key highlight of this year’s event was the emphasis on young innovators shaping East Africa’s tourism.
Startups and entrepreneurs presented groundbreaking ideas like TourugApp, an AI-powered platform that creates personalized travel itineraries in Uganda and Kenya.
“Their creativity, energy, and comfort with technology are reshaping how we design, deliver, and market travel,” said the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) spokesperson.
Sessions also focused on sports tourism and community-driven projects that foster employment and leadership opportunities for youth.
The conference also served as a “Business to Business” engagement hub, encouraging joint ventures between Ugandan and Kenyan operators.
With the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projecting 5–7% annual growth in Sub-Saharan tourism through 2030, digital transformation, sustainability, and cross-border cooperation are at the core of East Africa’s travel agenda.
Tourism Statistics: Uganda – Kenya in Numbers
2022: 150,900 Ugandans visited Kenya, including 22,200 to the Kenya Coast.
2022: 376,294 Kenyans visited Uganda, making Kenya Uganda’s leading source market.
2024: Uganda was Kenya’s second-largest source market, contributing 9.4% of arrivals (225,559 visitors).
2025 Target: Kenya aims to increase Ugandan arrivals by 27% to reach 300,000 travelers.
Discover the Kenya Coast: Uganda’s Favorite Escape
The Kenya Coast remains a magnet for Ugandan travelers seeking sun, sea, and culture.
Top Experiences Include:
Beautiful Beaches which include Diani, Watamu, and Nyali.
Historical Sites for example Fort Jesus, Vasco da Gama Pillar, and Gede Ruins.
Marine Adventures for example snorkeling, diving, and dolphin-watching.
Romantic Retreats, these include perfect settings for weddings and honeymoons.
Bus Transport from Uganda into Kenya
While flights between Entebbe and Mombasa remain popular, bus transport is one of the most accessible and scenic ways to travel from Uganda to Kenya especially for those exploring budget-friendly tourism routes or looking to experience local life along the way.
Book your bus tickets from Kampala to Nairobi with us at Responsible Tourism Company for seamless travel. We also have bus tickets leading to other destinations like Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha among other destinations.
Popular Bus Routes
- Kampala to Nairobi:
Carriers: Modern Coast, Mash Poa, Easy Coach, and Tahmeed*.
Duration: 12–14 hours (depending on traffic and border clearance).
Fare: Approximately – UGX 120,000 to 180,000 (USD 32 to 48).
Stops: Jinja, Iganga, Busia Border, Eldoret, Nakuru and finally Nairobi.
- Kampala to Mombasa (via Nairobi):
Most travelers connect through Nairobi before continuing to the coast.
Total duration: Around 18–20 hours.
Ideal for backpackers and domestic tourists combining Uganda safaris with Kenyan coastal stays.
- Kampala to Kisumu:
Shorter route (8–9 hours) for travelers visiting western Kenya before heading to the coast or Lake Victoria.
Travel Tips for Bus Passengers
Carry your East African Community (EAC) National ID or Passport.
Exchange some currency in advance for meals and border fees.
Night buses are available for travelers who prefer to save on accommodation and arrive early.
For convenience, book tickets online via Modern Coast or Easy Coach websites.
Explore More of Uganda: From Kampala to Entebbe
For travelers starting their journey in Uganda, there’s plenty to experience before crossing into Kenya:
Uganda Safari Adventures – Explore Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for unforgettable wildlife encounters.
Kampala City Tour – Discover Uganda’s capital, famous for its vibrant nightlife, food scene, and cultural landmarks.
Entebbe Town Tourism – Visit Lake Victoria, the Botanical Gardens, and Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre (UWEC) for a relaxing pre-flight experience.
Each of these experiences complements a Malindi or Mombasa extension, creating a seamless Uganda–Kenya multi-country itinerary for adventure seekers.
As the 4th Uganda – Kenya Coast Tourism Conference wrapped up, delegates celebrated the event’s success and looked ahead with optimism.
Plans are already underway for the 5th edition of the Uganda – Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, which promises to deepen collaboration and further integrate youth, technology, and sustainability into East Africa’s tourism vision.
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