Accountants’ conference boosts Mombasa tourism

More than 1500 delegates are meeting in Mombasa for the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (Icpak) annual conference.

Security was tight at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, the venue where the accountants are holding their meeting.

Icpak Mombasa branch chairperson George Mokua said the conference has boosted the tourism and hospitality industry in the coastal town as most hotels were booked.

He encouraged the delegates to make the best use of their time to learn and relax at the beach whenever they can.

Icpak Chairman Mr Benson Okundi said local institutions should hold conferences in Mombasa to boost local tourism.

“The accountancy profession is called upon now than ever to reflect and develop ways and means to compliment government efforts in attracting and retaining investors,” he said.

Mombasa has suffered the brunt of travel advisories with number of foreign tourists falling.

While making her keynote address, Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority CEO Kellen Kariuki said the security challenge facing the county was more daunting than ever before.

“We live in dangerous times, is the best way to open a conversation on matters security. The challenge of terrorism is no longer an American or global problem. As this seminar goes on, it is not lost on even a casual observer that our tourism has been severely hit.

“Without security there is no investment, our president made a call on each of us to play a role in restoring security. We must face the reality that there is just the much the government can do,” she said.