The violence and bloodshed affecting Kenya following a disputed presidential election result has had minimal impact on local travel plans, according to one of the Island's biggest travel agencies.

C-Travel, which also acts as brokers for African tour groups, yesterday reported seeing no cancellations relating to recent events. Travel to Africa usually peaks this time of the year, the agency stated. However, one local group that was to travel through Kenya has since diverted through South Africa.

Up until now, Kenya had enjoyed a reputation for being one of Africa's most stable and prosperous nations. The country relies heavily on tourism, but now analysts are predicting damage to that stable reputation.

The Reuters news agency yesterday reported that Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki's government accused rival Raila Odinga's party of unleashing "genocide" in Kenya on Wednesday.

More than 300 people have been killed in the tribal violence and some 70,000 displaced since Sunday. The violence was triggered by claims of vote rigging in the December 27 presidential election.

The bloodshed has received swift condemnation from both the United States and Britain.

Yesterday, Carl Paiva, chief executive of C-Travel, said he was unable to say if the company had seen any cancellations or decline in bookings for tours to the area. "It's difficult for me to determine right now," he said.

"Most people that are looking for tours to Africa would actually consider booking them far out. It's not something that's a last-minute booking. Our African specialist is actually escorting a group in Africa right now.

"We've been in communication with them thanks to Blackberrys and the group is having a fabulous time.

Instead of the group going through Kenya, they diverted to South Africa.

"The group's ultimate destination was Tanzania and we've had to give no refunds. There's not a problem. Our tour guides review the situation and will rewrite the itinerary immediately.

"No tour operator would take the risk of putting people's lives in jeopardy — we deal with only reputable and safe tour guides."

The post-election violence has pitted Luos — from opposition leader Odinga's tribe — against Kikuyus, who support president Kibaki.

But as the days pass, more tribes are being caught up in the violence, both as victims and perpetrators, the Los Angeles Times reported.