The data in the tourism sector report are irrefutable.
Only a year ago, commenting on the numbers for 2022, we sadly noted how, with only 30 thousand presences, Italians had somewhat snubbed Kenya, both as a holiday destination and as a place dreamed of for living, working, volunteering.
In 2023, with an increase of 121%, just under 70 thousand compatriots visited.
The permanent return of charter flights, the advantageous exchange rate of the Kenyan shilling for a good part of the year, the boom of Nairobi as a cosmopolitan city full of opportunities for young people, are the main reasons for people to return to Kenya, for what is shaping up to be a generational change.
In the past few seasons we have begun to worry about an Italian 'people' who are too old, and not only anagraphically, stationed especially on the coast, in Malindi and Watamu.

Frequent holidaymakers, owners of houses and villas, seasonal renters, casual workers, pensioners in (supposed) relaxation, indefatigable lovers and professors for schoolgirls.
It is a people of social gurus, heroes of complaint and internet surfers who often do no credit to the good that could come out of a young and receptive country like Kenya, not surprisingly listed among the most promising in the near future, to save the planet's ailing economy.
Helping them at home to help our home: the best possible form of post-colonialism can also be applied to stays, to moving to Kenya. Maybe not to the holiday in the all-inclusive resort, which, however, and the comforting influx figures for 2023 give us hope, always creates new 'Africa-sick' who will return, but certainly rejuvenate our presence, which can also be good for the less young struggling with the problems of the country's unsustainable development.

So welcome, then, the Italic workers who take off, the nature lovers who refresh themselves, the couples who have magical experiences together, and parents who make their children live them.
Welcome the young people who choose to do their civil service here, who volunteer, who perfect their craft and prefer to be 'on the ground' in Africa, rather than doing a master's degree in Cincinnati.
Long live the backpackers who are not content with a selfie on the beach, but explore the customs and traditions of Africa, have unique experiences and take nothing for granted.
In Nairobi, especially, we are meeting many of them, but we have met many this winter and even more have written to us from Watamu.
The change is taking place, and it makes even us, now almost old (but woe betide us if there is no electricity or water is rationed, if corruption has not yet been defeated and the "pole pole" still reigns supreme) feel much more alive!