Tour operators in Tanzania are increasingly concerned about the growing foreign influence in the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking industry, which they believe is jeopardizing local businesses and the livelihoods of porters.
The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), operating under the Kilimanjaro Responsible Trekking Organization (KRTO), has recently introduced stringent ethical guidelines that local operators argue unfairly benefit foreign companies, sidelining Tanzanian businesses.
Yona Samwel, owner of Almighty Kilimanjaro Ltd, expressed frustration, stating, “KPAP’s influence is making it harder for us to compete. We’re forced to comply with their rules or face losing our business, which ultimately benefits foreign companies at our expense.”
However, KRTO’s CEO, Kelvin Salla, refuted these claims, insisting that KPAP’s mission is to ensure fair treatment for all trekking crews.
Mount Kilimanjaro, a major global tourist destination, attracts 56,000 climbers annually, generating approximately $50 million in revenue.
Tourism plays a vital role in Tanzania’s economy, contributing 19% to its GDP and accounting for 25% of foreign exchange earnings.
While KPAP’s guidelines on gear, wages, and working conditions have received international praise, local operators argue that these standards are burdensome, leading to a decline in business from foreign travel agents who now prefer KPAP-certified, predominantly foreign-owned companies.
Samwel noted, “KPAP has labeled many local companies as irresponsible, causing a significant drop in business and putting our livelihoods at risk.”
The imbalance is evident in the ratio of foreign to local companies: KPAP currently lists 150 companies as compliant with its standards, with 105 being foreign-owned and only 45 local.
This disparity, according to local operators, contravenes Tanzania’s Tourism Act, which reserves mountain climbing and trekking businesses for local operators.
Samwel stressed, “The law is clear—this industry should be dominated by local businesses. But KPAP’s actions are allowing foreign companies to take over, pushing us out of our own market.”
Kilimanjaro porters are also alarmed by the situation, fearing mass unemployment if local companies continue to struggle.
Edson Mpemba, a leader of the porters, warned, “Our porters are losing jobs at an alarming rate. If local companies collapse, thousands will be left jobless. This isn’t just about business; it’s about the survival of those who depend on this mountain.”
Porters, essential to the success of Kilimanjaro expeditions, are often underpaid and poorly treated. Juma Abdallah, a porter from Kiraracha village, highlighted these issues, saying, “We work hard, but our wages are meager. Some companies neglect our well-being entirely.”
The Tanzania Porters Organization (TPO) has also voiced concerns over KPAP’s growing influence, with TPO’s executive secretary, Loshiye Mollel, stating, “They’re trying to control the entire tourism business. It’s an insult to us.”
Theresa Mugobi, Director of Tourism at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism declined to comment on the situation.
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