By Agnetta Okwemba
The tourism sector of Kenya has been affected due to the Russia-Ukraine war with the Coast region that has been receiving visitors from Ukraine getting none since the war began.
“We used to receive about 200 tourists from Ukraine every 10 days but this has stopped due to the war,” said Leopard Beach Resort manager and Kenya Coast Tourism Association chair Kioko Musyoki.
He said that there is a need for all stakeholders to intervene and ensure the Ukraine-Russia war is brought to an end.
“This war has a lot of effect on the tourism sector and to be sincere as the Tourism industry in this region Ukraine is very dear to us because of the number they have been giving us,” he added.
He made the remarks during a special Ukraine event of celebrating its 33 years of independence in Diani by displaying its largest flag along the beautiful sandy beaches.
The event was graced by the Ukraine consulate Mr. Oleksii Sierkou and Mr. Petro Buryak Ukraine defense forces soldier and Veteran who lost both feet and fingers on his left hand due to an anti-tank mine explosion and is now on prosthetic legs.
Buryak, the only guest from Ukraine in Diani according to Leopard Beach general manager Kioko Musyoki said that he is moving across the globe to preach peace and explain the effect of war.
Addressing the media in Diani, the veteran Ukraine Soldier said that Ukraine will continue fighting for independence.
It has been two and a half years of the fight against Russian invasion into Ukraine.
Mr. Petro Buryak has taken upon himself to travel around the world so as to explain the effect of the war and the true idea of Russia as an aggressor.
“I want to thank Kenya for their support and invite them to Diani together with my family. I am urging Ukrainians to continue with the fight and I know we will win this. I ask for peace from all countries,” said Mr. Petro.
Through his charitable organization Petro Buryak is collecting funds with the aim of supporting his comrades serving on the frontline against the war by providing them with ammunition and armored cars.
Ukraine consulate in Kenya Oleskii Sierkou said that the country will continue protecting its territory and fight for independence without fear.
Once the war is over, he said there are many ways of collaboration between various countries on matters of development.
“It has been 33 years of independence. We are not sure when the war will end but we are committed and ready to fight forever,” said Mr. Oleksii.
Mr. Petro will be in Diani for the next couple of days.
