The Authority-Tourism Regulatory Authority established under section 4 of the Tourism Act No 28 of 2011. Tourism – All activities of persons travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purpose. 3. Background The potential of tourism cannot be over emphasized as it is a large industry that serves as a key contributor to socio-economic development. Events and Entertainment remains an integral part of tourism not only in Kenya but globally. This has been amplified by events and entertainment tourism being a niche in the world today. The dynamic nature of the creative industry and advancement in technology has given rise to numerous forms of events and entertainment that is availed to the consumer. However, currently, the sector lacks documented checks and balances on the quality of events and entertainment on offer. Globally, there has been an attempt to regulate events and entertainment in the tourism and hospitality industry. Most of the developed countries have professional organizations for entertainers. One such organization is the Screen Actors Guild American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG - AFTRA) that represent approximately 160,000 members who are guided and adhere to a code of conduct. In Australia, the Australian Entertainment Agents Association (AEAA) works closely with agencies, performers, venues, and end clients to ensure that its members deliver their services in a professional, timely and lawful manner. To ensure the levels of service are maintained, the AEAA members are guided by their code of ethics, performers’ guidelines, venue guidelines and standards employment conditions. The rating of function facilities in accommodation establishment’s world over can also be cited as another attempt towards enhancement of quality of events and entertainment service in the interest of customer satisfaction. The growth of entertainment and events in the tourism and hospitality industry in Africa especially in Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya cannot be gainsaid. However, the entertainment and events organizations are regulated by different institutions. For example in South Africa, events are regulated through Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Regulations and the entertainment venues are regulated by the Tourism and Grading Council of South Africa. 10
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