Kenyan Businesswoman Among Three Foreigners Arrested in Zanzibar Over Unlicensed Tourism

Three foreign nationals, including a Kenyan businesswoman, have been detained in Zanzibar over allegations that they operated tourism businesses without the required licences.

Esther Mutheu Samuka, a Kenyan citizen, was arrested alongside Ugandan nationals Mukembo Emmanuel and Karungi Scovia on 18 August during a joint operation by the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) and the Immigration Department. Authorities allege that the three were providing tour and excursion services without the necessary permits. 

Under Zanzibar’s Tourism Act No. 6 of 2009, certain tourism activities are reserved for Zanzibari operators, and foreign nationals are prohibited from conducting tour operations. The ZCT said the arrests followed an operation targeting people who were providing shuttle boat services and excursions outside the legal framework.

The commission said the action was carried out under the Zanzibar Tourism Act 2009, which regulates and controls tourism activities on the islands. The law restricts foreign nationals from operating tour businesses, with the aim of protecting local ownership and ensuring that tourism revenue benefits the local community.

The arrests also highlight differences between Zanzibar’s tourism regulations and the East African Community (EAC) Common Market framework, which provides for the free movement of labour and services among member states. Under Zanzibar’s domestic laws, however, East Africans from outside the islands are still treated as foreigners and are excluded from certain economic activities.

Zanzibar authorities have warned Kenyans and other East Africans seeking to operate businesses in restricted sectors to comply with local licensing requirements. Visitors have also been advised to book excursions through recognised and licensed operators.