Tourism stakeholders have criticized as inaccurate a news report of an incident involving a tourist in Mombasa on March 31, 2025.

The news report by a local daily claimed that 50 youths in gangs had attacked and robbed cruise passengers who had been sailing with the Crystal Symphony, a cruise ship that had docked at the Port of Mombasa on March 31, 2025.

In a joint statement, the Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA), the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers (KAHC), and the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO) condemned the misleading claims, calling them alarmist and harmful to the tourism sector.

Together, they denounced widely circulated coverage, saying it was “sensationalized” by media.

Instead of numerous thefts from a large group of gangs, the group said it was two 'street boys' who stole one passenger’s cell phone.

KCTA Chairman Victor Shitakha voiced concerns over the sensationalized media coverage, cautioning that such misinformation could negatively impact an industry that contributes over 10% to Kenya’s GDP.

He urged the media to uphold accuracy and responsibility, particularly when reporting on public safety matters.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor provided clarification, stating that contrary to earlier media reports suggesting that youths had attacked and robbed cruise ship passengers in Mombasa, the incident in question involved the theft of a tourist’s phone by two street boys in the city’s central business district.

“We have arrested suspects and are continuing with our investigation. Furthermore, additional security measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of both tourists and locals,” Commissioner Noor said.