In the aftermath of the official presentation of the final protocol for the recovery of the tourism sector in Kenya by the Minister of Tourism Najib Balala and related directives to be followed in a Covid-19 perspective, the Italian entrepreneurs of Malindi and Watamu are waiting for a signal from the Government regarding the effective reopening of the airports, both nationally and internationally. Without certain dates, routes and timetables it is not yet possible to plan holidays for those who want to come to Kenya, nor marketing strategies for operators and hospitality activities in the country.
In particular, as far as the Kenyan coast is concerned, the resumption of flights from Nairobi to Malindi, as well as to Mombasa, Lamu and Ukunda, and a date as soon as possible for the restoration of air traffic from Europe is expected.
"We are lagging behind other African countries that have already reopened or have communicated the date of the resumption of international flights - explains our director Freddie del Curatolo - in this period we have followed and evaluated positively the work of the Ministry of Health regarding the emergency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and we have never pressed and pushed for a premature reopening, nor are we doing so now also because we believe that in the short term the season is already compromised, and certainly not because of Kenya. However, we would like to have some reassurance on the initiatives of the Kenyan government to support a sector in strong crisis and its employees, for whom we are doing everything possible, trying not to lay off anyone".
Malindi can't wait to get going again, thanks to the assorted presence of international (and not only Italian) and local tourism recorded during the good season, abruptly interrupted by the pandemic last March.
"The experience of the reopening in Italy has highlighted the difficulty in adapting to the various protocols very similar to those foreseen in Kenya - explains Bruno Pianetti, owner of the Kilili Baharini Resort & Spa in Malindi - and in some cases the sanctions have been heavy, as we hope will not have to happen in Kenya for our resorts, which are doing everything possible to be ready. What is certain is that no one in Italy, (and this may sound strange) has dreamed of asking for prices to be reduced. As far as our Resort is concerned we have maintained a good part of the occupation and I think it is a fact to highlight. It would have been easier to dismiss everyone, but now to decide to reopen would need support from the institutions and guarantees on the rules at least from a procedural point of view".
 Also in this line of thinking is Sabina Vivaldi, owner of the Cozy Point Homes Boutique Hotel.
"The final protocol - says Sabina Vivaldi, owner of the Boutique Hotel Cozy Point Homes - will involve additional costs and as is happening all over the world we will take all the necessary measures to make our guests feel safe and at the same time free to live an unforgettable experience. The solution proposed by the Minister to reduce prices is not feasible and would not even help to attract a clientele that can then generate an induced (safari, excursions, shopping, restaurants, etc..) important for the destination and its inhabitants. There are also rules that are difficult to apply, such as checking staff with swabs every 14 days and I find it absurd that we hoteliers have to make the necessary arrangements to allow guests to fill out the medical travel declaration form when booking before arrival. This system will drive travellers away because they won't feel like filling out certificates, running into forms online, queuing for checks and then choosing countries with leaner and more welcoming bureaucracy".
Among the entrepreneurs of Malindi, echoes Aldo Menduni, manager of Malindina, one of the structures that first adapted and reopened in accordance with government directives.
"Now we are suggested by the Minister of Tourism to lower prices - smiles Menduni - in reality without the slightest collaboration of anyone, prices should be raised, even to differentiate ourselves from those who will reopen without all the shrewdness to which we have submitted without batting an eyelid. Those who come to us must be sure to live a safe and trouble-free experience".
In Watamu, the situation weighs more heavily on the resorts, which have always relied on the agreements with Italian tour operators who now find themselves disoriented and have no certainty as to when to start planning Kenya again for their clients.
"I'd like to know if among the contributions that have been given by the Government to the Ministry of Tourism there are concrete help to the sector and to those who continue to invest - asks Roberto Lenzi who is about to reopen his Crystal Bay as a bed & breakfast to give a service to those who will arrive at least from Nairobi, but without knowing either how or when - We hope to know as soon as possible dates, times and programs of internal flights to be able to organize. We talk about marketing, but how can we organize even a single advertising campaign if we know nothing?".
While official announcements are expected, the industry is also burdened with many expenses and adjustments to which no support or facilitation is given. 
"We have transformed the facilities in relation to the Covid-19 rules, borne the costs and adapted to the new course, without asking anything - comments Lenzi - It is unthinkable, however, to even have to pay for tampons and medical examinations for employees. We ask that the County and the Government join us to protect the health of their fellow citizens, helping those who are already guaranteeing them a salary even though they haven't worked for three months".
While waiting for Kenya's next steps in accessibility, many trade associations such as the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, Kenya Tourism Federation, KATO and others are working together to overcome this difficult time and get some concrete answers from Nairobi. In Malindi realities such as PWAM have been working together with the County and City Hall for some time and in certain sectors, such as infrastructure, music is changing.
Now they are waiting for an "orchestral conduction" that is up to the task.