INTRODUCTION
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) was formed in 1979 after its forerunner, the East African Society of Travel Agents, which was in existence for 22 years, was disbanded due to the collapse of the East African Community.
Today KATA is a national organization comprising of International Air Transport Association registered agents and IATA/UFTAA approved training institutions. The association is a member of UFTAA, the Universal Federation of Travel Agents' Association representing 84 countries with its headquarters in Brussels. UFTAA has consultative status with the United Nations Organization and a close liaison with the World Tourist Organization. Governance
KATA is run by a full time secretariat with a chief executive and a voluntary executive committee comprising senior working members of the travel industry. The executive committee is mandated by the constitution to oversee the overall management of the association and ensure implementation of the associations’ vision. The executive committee meets monthly and also on a need basis to deal with the myriad issues that present themselves to the travel agents.

OBJECTS AND POLICY
The Association’s main objects are as follows:
a) To provide a forum for travel agents in Kenya.
b) To provide a voice for the travel agency sector of the tourist industry in its dealings with Government ministries, Overseas travel agencies and other organisations connected with travel and tourism world-wide.
c) To encourage the advancement to tourism within Kenya and to improve the standards of service offered by Kenya travel agents.
d) To form branches as and when required by the Association.
e) To negotiate and enter into agreements with commercial Undertakings for the betterment of the travel agency business and of the tourist industry in general.
f) To uphold the business ethics of members

Travel Agencies belonging to KATA are known for their integrity, quality of service and financial soundness. Their staff members are trained in the principles and practices of selling international travel under the IATA/UFTAA training scheme. They are accredited to the IATA airlines worldwide and to some of the larger non-IATA carriers. Members are also at the fore front in automation as it’s well known that technology has streamlined the reservation system with international computer connections, thus ensuring quick and efficient service. Our members offer a one stop credible source of travel information from the different suppliers.   
KATA members are bonded to the constitution that entails a strict code of ethics enforced by the membership and ethics committee. The code of conduct ensures that the travelling public dealing with KATA members are guaranteed of secure trading and a credible system of handling complaints. The code further protects the suppliers and institutes dispute resolution measures within the membership.
KATA members are kept well upraised with the latest information on the travel industry making them acquainted with the latest developments in the travel market. This is done through regular meetings and e-briefs.

KATA Advocacy, Lobby and Representation.

KATA cooperates closely with the government organs namely Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Ministry of Transport, Kenya Tourist Board (KTB), Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Utalii College (KUC) and the Civil Aviation Board (CAB). It also plays an important role in the private sector bodies like the Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), Board of Airline Representatives (BAR), Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), and Kenya Hotelkeepers and Caterer’s Association (KAHC).

The association, on behalf of the membership, interrogates all proposed regulations, policies and legislations that have a bearing to the travel industry. This ensures that both the consumer and travel agents rights are continuously protected

The Association represents individual travel agents in many forums thereby negotiating more efficient service with airlines, hotel groups and connected trade partners. Through UFTAA, KATA keeps in touch with all aspects of the travel industry on a worldwide basis and constantly strives to protect the travelers' interests. High standards are maintained on an international basis. This is ensured by regular attendance of KATA representative at the UFTAA annual congress, at which related industries meet to discuss, deliberate and decide on new strategies and policies and pass resolutions on improvements to the travel agency.