The Decline of the Event Planning Industry in Kenya: A Call for Standards and Unity
The event planning industry in Kenya, once a thriving and dynamic sector, is now facing significant challenges that threaten its very existence. As more and more businesses enter the field, the lack of standardized practices and the absence of cohesive industry regulation have led to a decline in quality, credibility, and profitability.
One of the major issues plaguing the industry is the lack of established standards. Without a governing body or set guidelines to adhere to, event planners are left to operate based on their own understanding and experience, which varies greatly across the board. This inconsistency has resulted in a market where quality is often compromised, and clients are left uncertain about what they can expect from their event planners.
The unregulated environment has also given rise to unhealthy competition. In the absence of clear standards, the industry has seen an influx of untrained starters who, while ambitious, lack the necessary skills and expertise to deliver high-quality services. These newcomers, often desperate to secure business, undercut established professionals by offering significantly lower rates. This race to the bottom has created an unsustainable pricing model that undermines the value of experienced event planners and devalues the profession as a whole.
Compounding these challenges is the absence of government policy specifically tailored to the event planning industry. Without recognition and support from the government, event planners are left vulnerable to exploitation. Clients, particularly corporate companies, have recognized the weaknesses within the industry and are leveraging them to their advantage. With no industry-wide standards to adhere to, these companies often demand the lowest possible quotes, knowing that event planners are in a precarious position and may feel compelled to accept less than fair compensation just to secure the business.
The lack of unity within the industry further exacerbates the problem. Event planners operate as individual entities, with no central organization to represent their collective interests. This fragmentation has allowed clients to take advantage of the situation, knowing that event planners do not have a unified voice or platform to advocate for their rights. Without a cohesive body to set standards, negotiate fair pricing, and enforce industry best practices, event planners are left at the mercy of market forces that are increasingly working against them.
The solution to these challenges lies in the establishment of industry-wide standards and the formation of a unified body to represent event planners in Kenya. By coming together, event planners can create a strong, professional association that advocates for their interests, sets industry standards, and works with the government to develop supportive policies. This would not only protect the integrity of the profession but also ensure that clients receive consistent, high-quality services that reflect the true value of event planning.
The time for change is now. Without action, the event planning industry in Kenya risks further decline, leaving both planners and clients at a loss. It is imperative that event planners unite, establish standards, and work together to create a sustainable future for the industry.
