A fire at the Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa on Friday caused concern among holidaymakers and the wider tourism sector, but authorities have confirmed that the situation was brought under control quickly and that no one was injured.
The incident unfolded at the popular South Coast facility after a video showing flames and dark smoke coming from the roof of one of the buildings spread on social media.
In the clip, part of the beachside restaurant appeared to be burning as people nearby watched and alerted emergency teams. The footage raised questions from travellers, hotel operators, and members of the public, prompting the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) to issue a detailed update on what had happened.
In its statement, the TRA moved to calm fears, explaining that the affected area was contained without affecting the operations of the resort. The agency said emergency crews acted fast, helping ensure that guests and hotel employees remained safe throughout the incident.
"The Tourism Regulatory Authority wishes to assure the general public that the fire, which impacted the beach restaurant, was swiftly contained by emergency responders. No injuries or fatalities were reported, and the incident did not affect other areas of the hotel," the statement read.
The authority confirmed that activities at the resort had returned to normal after the affected section was secured. Officers from the TRA and other agencies have since begun investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
The TRA also used the statement to restate its role in maintaining safe conditions across the tourism industry and to highlight its continued efforts to uphold standards in all licensed facilities.
"The authority remains committed to upholding the highest standards across Kenya's tourism sector and will provide further updates as more information becomes available," the statement added.
The Tourism Regulatory Authority serves as the main body overseeing tourism activities in the country. Its work includes licensing hotels and travel operators, monitoring safety and service measures, and ensuring that facilities comply with set guidelines.
It also handles complaints, supports conservation efforts, and works closely with county governments, private operators, and international partners to strengthen Kenya’s tourism sector.
