The government of Kenya has unveiled a new framework aimed at carefully regulating the entry and operations of foreign airlines in the country. This move, which has been initiated by the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, has been designed to safeguard Kenya’s aviation sector, enhance its role in international air travel, and protect the nation’s strategic and economic interests.

The newly established technical evaluation committee (TEC) will ensure that every application for market access is examined systematically, taking into account fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. By strengthening air access management, Kenya is seeking to provide equal opportunities for both local and foreign players while ensuring that the domestic tourism industry, trade, and agricultural exports benefit from improved aviation services. The initiative is also aligned with globally accepted standards, drawing guidance from the 1944 Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). In shaping this structured regulatory environment, the Kenyan government is emphasizing growth, fairness, and the long-term sustainability of aviation as a key driver of tourism and economic development.

A Structured Approach to Aviation Access

The introduction of the new framework has been presented as a way to avoid arbitrary decisions and to strengthen the credibility of Kenya as a responsible international aviation partner. The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development has put in place the technical evaluation committee, which will be tasked with examining all foreign airline access requests. Applications will now be reviewed in a consistent and consultative manner, making the process more transparent than in the past.

Ensuring Balanced Opportunities

The transport cabinet secretary, Davis Chirchir, emphasized that while Kenya remains committed to honoring its air service agreements, it must also ensure that applications are carefully evaluated to avoid unfair treatment. Considerations such as airport access, slot allocations, fund repatriation, employment of key staff, advertising rights, and taxation will form part of the evaluation criteria.

Engaging Multiple Stakeholders

The Kenyan government has engaged different sectors, including trade, agriculture, tourism, and private industry. Agencies such as the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) have been closely involved in shaping the framework. This multi-sectoral approach highlights the importance of aviation as a pillar that supports other industries, particularly tourism and agriculture.

Alignment with International Standards

The framework has been designed to remain in harmony with international obligations. The Chicago Convention, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, and the World Trade Organisation principles were referenced in its development. These institutions promote fair and reciprocal practices in global air markets. The principle of differential treatment, which recognizes the varying capacities of different nations, was also taken into account to ensure Kenya’s policies remain globally acceptable.

Protecting the Kenyan Aviation Industry

The principal secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, underscored the importance of a structured framework. The system is expected to protect the Kenyan aviation industry while also promoting fairness and growth. Kenya is making it clear that while it remains open to global operators, it will no longer tolerate practices that bypass procedures or allow exploitation by unscrupulous individuals.

Strengthening Trade and Agriculture Through Aviation

The cabinet secretary for investments, trade, and industry, Lee Kinyanjui, together with the cabinet secretary for agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, Mutahi Kagwe, have both welcomed the initiative. They believe that stricter air access regulations will lead to more opportunities for cargo uplift, especially for agricultural goods. The framework also opens the door for potential use of 5th freedom rights, which would allow for enhanced exports of perishable goods to international markets.

Broad Representation in the Technical Committee

The technical evaluation committee has been structured to include voices from across key sectors. Its membership spans the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, the State Department of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Kenya Tourism Board, the Kenya Association of Air Operators, Kenya Airways, the Kenya Airports Authority, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority. This wide representation ensures that the framework is not only transparent but also inclusive of the interests of multiple industries tied to aviation.

Aviation as a Driver of Tourism and Employment

Kenya’s aviation sector has been highlighted as a vital contributor to the national economy. According to government data, the industry supports more than 26,000 direct jobs and contributes approximately USD 1.5 billion to the country’s GDP. Beyond these figures, thousands of indirect jobs in tourism, exports, and allied services also depend on aviation. With the new system in place, Kenya is expected to strengthen the reliability of its aviation market, attract more international visitors, and boost tourism revenues.

Long-Term Benefits for Tourism and Global Perception

By implementing these measures, Kenya is sending a signal to the international community that it is committed to upholding global aviation standards. For travelers, this translates to improved air connectivity, fair competition among airlines, and a better travel experience when visiting the country. For the tourism industry, reliable and well-regulated air access ensures that the flow of international tourists remains steady, supporting hotels, resorts, tour operators, and local communities.

The introduction of Kenya’s new regulations for foreign airline access marks a significant step towards balancing global engagement with national priorities. The structured approach provided by the technical evaluation committee not only strengthens Kenya’s aviation industry but also safeguards the interests of tourism, trade, and agriculture. By aligning with international frameworks while addressing local needs, Kenya is setting an example of how a country can responsibly manage its air access environment. In the long term, this strategy is expected to enhance the country’s reputation as a transparent and fair partner in global aviation while driving growth across tourism and related sectors.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is slowly gaining steam, with the modern cruise ship terminal at the Port of Mombasa offering fresh opportunities for the country’s travel industry. Built at a cost of more than Sh1.3 billion, the three-storey facility was designed to meet international standards, complete with lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants, immigration offices and accessibility features for differently-abled passengers.

Yet despite its state-of-the-art design, the terminal has struggled to attract regular cruise traffic, leaving large parts of it under-utilised. Industry observers note that while the number of cruise arrivals rose significantly in 2024 to over 6,500 visitors compared to about 2,400 the previous year, Kenya is still far from tapping the full potential of the global cruise market.

The government is moving to change this picture. Recent reforms, including the rollout of a multiple-entry electronic travel authorisation (eTA), are intended to make it easier for passengers docking in Mombasa to explore the country. Tourism officials have also intensified marketing efforts, positioning Kenya as a gateway for both Indian Ocean cruising and inland safari experiences.

For travel agents, the opportunity is clear. Cruise tourists typically spend on shore excursions, cultural tours and shopping, offering agents a lucrative new market segment. The Mombasa stopover can be packaged with safaris, beach holidays or city tours, extending a visitor’s stay beyond a few hours at the port. Agents who can deliver high-quality, time-sensitive itineraries stand to gain the most, particularly if they build partnerships with cruise lines or position themselves as specialists in this niche.

However, challenges remain. Cruise ships often prefer to contract large, established operators for shore excursions, making it harder for smaller firms to break in. Logistics outside the port, from road transport to security, also need strengthening to match global standards. And while Kenya has ambitions of becoming a major cruise hub, competition from neighbouring destinations on the Indian Ocean coast is intensifying.

Still, the outlook is optimistic. If infrastructure is complemented by aggressive marketing and improved service standards, Mombasa’s cruise terminal could become more than an architectural showpiece. For Kenya’s travel agents, it represents a chance to diversify offerings, reach high-spending tourists, and carve out a new growth frontier in the country’s tourism economy.

Last week, Saudi low-cost carrier Flynas launched nonstop service between Riyadh and Nairobi, with the inaugural flight touching down at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the early hours of Friday, October 3. The new link opens a direct corridor between Kenya’s capital and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, trimming travel time for passengers who previously relied on one-stop itineraries.

The route starts with three flights a week operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft, a capacity boost aimed at business, leisure, and religious travel. Flynas has positioned the service as part of its wider Africa growth strategy and Saudi Arabia’s push to expand international connectivity from Riyadh.

Published schedules set departures from Riyadh at 22:00 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, arriving in Nairobi at 03:10 the following day. Returns leave Nairobi at 04:00 on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, touching down in Riyadh at 09:00. Industry notices from Kenyan travel bodies mirrored those timings in the run-up to launch.

Aviation watchers have framed the new link as a practical win for trade and tourism in both directions. Direct connectivity is expected to support Kenya’s exports of tea, coffee, flowers, and fresh produce into the Gulf, while simplifying inbound travel for Saudi visitors and investors. It also complements Kenya’s efforts to deepen air links to key markets and aligns with Saudi strategies to widen the kingdom’s global network.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents and other trade stakeholders amplified the details to the market, noting that steady, point-to-point service typically improves reliability for time-sensitive movements, including meetings, travel, and perishables. Inaugural-week posts from airport authorities and the airline underscored the arrival on October 3 and the start of scheduled operations.

Flynas first announced the route in August with three weekly frequencies and A320neo equipment. Trade bulletins subsequently reiterated the schedule pairings and the focus on strengthening flows for tourism, commerce, and pilgrimage. With the inaugural landing complete, attention now turns to load factors, schedule performance, and how quickly the service can stimulate two-way traffic during the northern-winter season.

At a glance: three flights weekly between Riyadh and Nairobi on A320neo aircraft, RUH departures at 22:00 every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday arriving NBO at 03:10 the next day, NBO departures at 04:00 every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday arriving RUH at 09:00.

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the travel preferences of Asia’s growing middle and upper classes. More travelers from India, China, and the Philippines are heading to Africa, particularly for its luxurious and adventurous safari experiences. African safaris, once a staple of Western tourism, have now transformed into a symbol of status, adventure, and cultural exploration for affluent travelers in Asia. Kenya, with its vast grasslands, and Namibia, with its expansive deserts, are fast becoming the go-to destinations for those seeking a blend of luxury and adventure. These safaris have transcended simple wildlife viewing, evolving into a multifaceted experience that combines high-end travel with the thrill of adventure and an exploration of rich cultures. This shift underscores the growing influence of Asia’s middle class on global tourism, positioning African safaris as a premier and exclusive travel experience.

The Surge of African Safaris in Asia’s Affluent Class

The popularity of African safaris has soared in recent years, especially among travelers from India, China, and the Philippines. What was once an activity reserved for Western tourists has now become an essential component of travel for Asia’s affluent. These travelers are no longer content with merely observing wildlife; instead, they are looking for immersive cultural experiences alongside luxury. Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia have emerged as key destinations, offering safaris that blend adventure with education. Among these, Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti are particularly popular, offering exceptional wildlife and thrilling adventures in iconic settings. For many affluent travelers, safaris have become a way to showcase wealth, respect for nature, and a desire for exclusive, memorable experiences.

China’s Growing Fascination with East Africa

In China, the rapidly expanding middle class has begun to favor the wilds of East Africa over traditional Western tourist destinations. Previously, European cities and theme parks like Disneyland dominated Chinese travel plans, but now countries like Kenya and Tanzania are becoming more popular. The influence of social media has fueled this shift, as travelers share their safari experiences with friends and followers, showcasing images of families posing with safari jeeps in vast African landscapes like the Maasai Mara.

Chinese tourists are especially drawn to safaris that offer a blend of adventure and learning. Many opt for educational tours that include conservation efforts, giving them the opportunity to connect with nature while contributing to wildlife preservation. These safaris, typically priced around 30,000 RMB (approximately $4,000), offer an appealing mix of affordability and prestige. Despite the challenges of the long drives, rough roads, and unpredictable weather, many Chinese tourists welcome these hardships as part of the authentic experience, preferring it over polished, more comfortable alternatives.

India’s Transition to African Safaris

In India, the interest in African safaris has moved beyond a celebrity trend and evolved into a mainstream pursuit. The influence of Bollywood celebrities visiting places like Kenya’s Maasai Mara or Tanzania has played a large role in making Africa a dream destination for many Indian travelers. As the Indian middle class continues to grow, the demand for exclusive safari experiences has increased. Luxury safaris, costing between $1,900 and $3,000 per person, offer travelers the chance to experience sunrise balloon rides over the Serengeti or river safaris along Botswana’s Chobe River. These safaris have come to represent a symbol of sophistication and prestige, rivaling the allure of traditional European holidays.

Filipino Travelers Discover the Wonders of Africa

The Philippines has also seen a growing interest in African safaris, largely driven by the influence of celebrity travel and social media. Filipino tourists are becoming more intrigued by Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The area’s volcanic caldera and rich biodiversity have captured the attention of many Filipino travelers, sparking a curiosity about Africa’s untapped beauty.

For many Filipinos, safaris have transformed from just an adventure into a journey of romance, reflection, and renewal. Traditionally, Filipino travelers have preferred beach vacations or city breaks, but the majestic beauty of Africa has led many to seek more profound, meaningful experiences. These safaris have become not just a way to see wildlife but a chance to immerse oneself in a culture and environment vastly different from their usual destinations.

Selecting the Ideal Safari Destination

When choosing the best safari, travelers often consider the type of experience they want. Kenya and Tanzania are known for the Great Migration, one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles. Every year, millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate across the plains, searching for fresh grass. This migration is one of the top draws for travelers looking to witness a breathtaking natural event. For those in search of a more exclusive safari, Uganda and Rwanda offer mountain gorilla trekking, an intimate experience with some of the world’s most endangered species. These encounters offer a rare, up-close view of these remarkable creatures. However, for the quintessential big-game safari, with encounters featuring lions, elephants, and giraffes, Kenya and Tanzania are the leaders in the safari industry.

Rising Safari Destinations: Namibia and South Africa

While Kenya and Tanzania dominate the safari market, other destinations like Namibia are also gaining popularity among travelers. Known for its otherworldly landscapes, Namibia offers places like the Sossusvlei dunes and the Etosha salt pans, where travelers can see wildlife in stark, surreal settings. During the dry season, wildlife sightings are especially abundant as animals gather at waterholes set against the vast desert backdrop. Namibia has become a favorite among photographers and conservationists, who appreciate its unique and pristine environment.

South Africa continues to be a key destination for first-time safari-goers. The country offers a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife safaris in Kruger National Park to the vibrant culture of Cape Town and the scenic beauty of the Cape Winelands. South Africa serves as a great introduction to Africa, combining safaris with a rich cultural experience. With English being widely spoken and direct flights from many Asian cities, South Africa is a convenient and appealing destination for travelers seeking both nature and urban culture.

Africa’s Lasting Allure for Asia’s New Explorers

As the winter months approach in Asia, more travelers are expected to trade the cold for the warmth of Africa’s golden plains and sunshine. For these new Asian explorers, the African safari is no longer a simple bucket-list activity but a profound journey of aspiration, adventure, and rediscovery. The experience of immersing themselves in Africa’s vast wilderness is transforming these safaris into deeply personal journeys of growth and transformation. This shift is reshaping the global tourism industry, with safaris now positioned as an important segment of the luxury travel market.

As travelers from India, China, and the Philippines delve into the rich diversity of Africa, they are not only witnessing its wildlife but are also playing a part in changing how we view and approach travel. African safaris have evolved from typical tourist activities to powerful, transformative experiences that offer deeper connections to both nature and culture. This shift highlights the increasing value of exclusive travel experiences, where adventure, culture, and luxury are interwoven into a journey of personal discovery and growth.

The Transformation of Global Travel

The rising interest in African safaris among Asia’s middle and upper classes signals a broader transformation in global tourism. Safaris, which were once primarily associated with Western travelers, are now becoming a sought-after luxury experience for Asia’s rapidly growing middle class. Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia have emerged as central destinations for safaris, becoming powerful symbols of status, adventure, and cultural exploration. As these trends continue to evolve, they are driving significant changes in the tourism landscape. New destinations like South Africa and Uganda are gaining traction, offering diverse safari experiences that appeal to travelers looking for both luxury and adventure. As more travelers from Asia seek unique, meaningful travel opportunities, Africa is solidifying its place as the new frontier for luxury travel and cultural immersion. These evolving trends are reshaping how people view vacations and positioning African safaris as one of the most coveted experiences for today’s global travelers.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Across global travel, after-dark experiences are moving from novelty to mainstream, a shift widely described as noctourism. Astrotourism sits within this broader trend, focusing specifically on the night sky through stargazing, astronomy talks, and celestial events. Recent reporting notes strong traveler interest in night safaris, sleep-outs, and stargazing, with surveys indicating that well over half of respondents now consider night-focused activities when planning trips. In East Africa, this momentum pairs naturally with clear skies, low light pollution outside cities, and wildlife that is most active after dusk.

Samburu, Kenya’s showcase for the stars

Samburu has emerged as Kenya’s focal point for astrotourism, combining science-led sky viewing with cultural storytelling under exceptionally dark equatorial skies. In September 2025, Kenya formally launched an astrotourism initiative in Samburu that included a planetarium reveal and guided night sky experiences timed to a total lunar eclipse, widely covered by regional and industry outlets. The area’s selling points include minimal light pollution, views of both northern and southern constellations, and lodge programs that blend telescopes with local star lore.

What noctourism looks like on the ground

In Samburu and other East African parks, after-dark itineraries commonly pair daytime game drives with night activities such as guided stargazing, fly-camping, and carefully managed nocturnal drives that highlight owls, small cats, and other elusive species. Lodges and outfitters describe new moon periods as prime time for visibility, with programs that add astrophotography tips, laser-guided constellation tours, and interpretation that links the night sky to local culture. These offers are designed to extend length of stay, spread visitor pressure beyond peak daytime hours, and give travelers a distinct reason to choose specific parks and seasons.

Beyond Samburu, across East Africa and the continent

The broader region is leaning into dark-sky assets. Operators in Kenya and Tanzania market star-bed experiences and sky decks, while southern African destinations promote astronomy nights in reserves that are naturally shielded from urban glow. Trade and consumer coverage reflect a wider uptick in demand for night-centric travel, positioning Africa’s wilderness as one of the world’s most compelling open-air observatories.

Why this matters for destinations and communities

Noctourism, including its astrotourism subset, adds depth to the product mix. For destinations, it creates new revenue windows in cooler evening hours, reduces daytime crowding, and encourages longer stays. For communities, it opens space for cultural programming such as indigenous star stories and night markets designed with low-impact lighting. For travelers, it delivers quieter encounters with nature and the sky. Industry analyses suggest the trend will remain strong through 2025 and beyond, reinforcing the case for training night guides, protecting dark skies, and packaging after-dark options with clear safety and conservation standards.

What’s next

Kenya’s Samburu launch signals a coordinated approach that links product development, investment, and storytelling around the night sky. Lodges are formalizing telescope-assisted viewing, star dinners, and planetarium-style programming, while national and county partners explore how to expand similar nodes in other dark-sky zones. The lesson for East African and African destinations is straightforward. Protect the night, train for it, and present it as a signature experience that complements wildlife and landscapes by day.

The Magical Kenya Travel Expo 2025 proved to be more than a showcase. It was a working marketplace that delivered tangible benefits to the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and its members. Held from October 1 to 3 at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, the event brought together over 350 exhibitors and more than 6,500 delegates from 40 countries. For KATA, the outcomes were clear. Members left with fuller pipelines, cleaner agreements, and better insight into where demand is heading.

Throughout the three days of the expo, the KATA Pavilion was a hub of focused business activity. Members held structured meetings with both regional and international partners to agree on pricing, secure space for busy travel periods, and refine packages that match what today’s travelers want. Buyers showed strong interest in experiences that combine Kenya’s well-known attractions with meaningful community involvement and sound sustainability practices, prompting members to adjust their offerings on the spot.

These discussions went beyond introductions to tackle practical matters that often slow deals, including payment terms, cancellation rules, and service standards. With these details clarified, members were able to set firmer agreements, plan group trips, and schedule training sessions to strengthen sales capacity. Suppliers promised better support after bookings and committed to joint marketing, while members gained early access to offers designed to keep business steady throughout the year. KATA also used the expo to build longer-term capacity, encouraging members to improve their use of digital booking systems and adopt more efficient multi-currency payment processes. Together, these actions created a stronger foundation for members to convert expo momentum into lasting business growth.

An important lesson came from the Africa Tourism Investment Forum, which ran alongside the expo. By bringing together vetted African tourism enterprises, investors, and policymakers, the forum addressed one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: access to capital. For agents, the impact is indirect but significant. Well-funded suppliers mean stronger product pipelines, reliable service delivery, and the innovation needed to keep Kenya competitive as travelers seek deeper, more responsible experiences. KATA’s conclusion is straightforward. Commercial agreements made at the expo are more likely to hold when financing and policy discussions happen in the same place.

KATA is translating these lessons into action. The association will help members integrate sustainability standards and community-based experiences into their products, supported by simple reporting tools. It will pursue partnerships that improve access to financing, informed by the investment conversations at the forum. It will roll out targeted training on destinations, digital systems, packaging, and customer care. It will share market insights gathered during the expo to guide the next sales cycle. And it will follow up on the deals that began in Nairobi so that interest becomes booked travel.

The wider context supports this direction. Kenya welcomed 2.4 million international visitors in 2024, generating 452 billion shillings in revenue, and is targeting 5.5 million visitors by 2027. Infrastructure improvements, such as the Nairobi to Nakuru to Mau Summit highway and the Dongo Kundu bypass, are improving access to the western circuit and the coast, while more direct flights from key markets are strengthening air links.

Across the continent, the World Travel and Tourism Council projects annual growth of 6.5 percent over the next decade, with total contributions potentially reaching 350 billion dollars. Kenya is well placed to benefit if the trade stays focused on quality, responsibility, and delivery.

KATA Members return from MKTE with real opportunities, tighter relationships, and a clearer brief for the next sales cycle. Suppliers leave with committed distribution and a better understanding of what will sell in Kenya’s key origin markets. The Association leaves with a sharper strategy and a plan to help members convert leads into lasting business.

MKTE 2025 was more than an exhibition. It turned conversations into commitments and ideas into scheduled work. The task now is to keep that momentum moving, to meet timelines, to equip advisors with the right tools and training, and to tell the stories that make Kenya an easy choice for travelers around the world.

A new kind of migration

On a Tuesday morning in a sun-splashed café in leafy a Nairobi neighborhood, laptops open before flat whites, you’ll hear a dozen accents discussing deadlines across three time zones. A designer in from Lisbon is troubleshooting a client handoff, a machine-learning engineer from Lagos scans code between bites of mandazi, at the corner table, two founders whisper through a Figma prototype. None of them work for local firms and yet their rent, their groceries, their rides, their weekends in Naivasha all add up here. This is the quiet economy of digital nomadism, now knocking on Africa’s door.

This is not tourism as usual. It’s the quieter migration of remote professionals who bring their work with them, staying for months rather than days, and spending locally while their incomes arrive from elsewhere. Governments have noticed. In recent years, “digital nomad” or remote-work visas have moved from experiment to policy toolkit, an attempt to capture footloose talent without igniting domestic labor fights.

What these visas actually do

Most programs follow a simple pattern, prove you work for a foreign employer or run your own company abroad, meet a minimum income threshold, buy health insurance, and you can live legally for six to twelve months, sometimes longer. The pitch is pragmatic. Nomads rent apartments, join gyms, buy groceries, and fill co-working spaces. They don’t typically compete for local jobs, and they showcase the city to future visitors. Towns that lost residents to big capitals suddenly see co-working spaces humming and neighborhood cafés busy on weekday afternoons.

Why the race is intensifying

Countries aren’t just courting sunshine seekers. They’re chasing year-round stability in visitor spending. Traditional tourism rises and falls with seasons; remote workers flatten the curve. That’s why island nations and smaller European states led early, streamlining paperwork and emphasizing connectivity as much as beaches. The market has matured too. Today’s applicants look beyond clichés, comparing internet reliability, mid-term housing, safety, and whether the local scene has meetups, maker spaces, and decent public transport.

The case for Africa

Africa has the time-zone advantage for Europe, cost structures that stretch a remote salary further, and a set of cities whose reputations have shifted from “interesting” to “compelling.” Nairobi’s tech ecosystem, Kigali’s efficiency, Dakar’s creative energy, Accra’s music scene, and Cape Town’s outdoor-urban blend all read like a lifestyle portfolio for knowledge workers. Early movers such as Mauritius and Cabo Verde have shown that clear rules and good marketing can turn curiosity into arrivals. South Africa has discussed a remote-work visa; others are studying models and talking to local tech communities and tourism boards.

Benefits that outlast a season

When these programs work, they don’t just boost occupancy rates. They widen the aperture on collaboration. A city that attracts product managers and designers will inevitably see collisions with local founders and students at meetups, hack nights, or over shared desks. Co-learning happens informally as camera clubs become micro-courses in content production, weekend cycling groups morph into intros to supply-chain software, a coffee-shop conversation becomes a six-month mentorship. None of this replaces formal job creation, but it layers new relationships onto existing economies and nudges them more digital.

The pressure points to watch

Success brings friction. Rents can climb in popular neighborhoods. Short-lets can elbow out long-term tenants. “Good internet” in one district can mask poor reliability elsewhere. Policymakers in African capitals have the advantage of hindsight: they can require longer minimum stays to discourage churn, nudge landlords toward mid-term leases, tie visa renewals to local registration (not just tourist stamps), and ring-fence parts of housing stock for residents. They can also link visas to contributions that leave a trace, participation in community workshops, discounted seats for locals at co-working hubs, or support for neighborhood digital labs.

What a smart visa looks like

The strongest programs are boring in the best way: predictable fees, transparent income thresholds, responsive consulates, and realistic processing times. They bake in basics like proof of health insurance, background checks without turning the process into a scavenger hunt. They coordinate across ministries so immigration, tourism, and ICT are aligned on messaging and data. And they publish the small print that matters to remote workers: whether they need local tax numbers, how to open a bank account, how to obtain a SIM, what counts as acceptable proof of income for freelancers. The more legible a city is on day one, the more likely a visitor becomes a six-month resident who tells friends to come.

Infrastructure is destiny

None of this works without reliable internet and power. That means redundancy, fiber plus 5G, backup for load-shedding, and public spaces that treat Wi-Fi as civic infrastructure, the way parks treat benches and lighting. It also means the less glamorous bits: clear addresses, simple e-payments that work with foreign cards, and municipal services that can be accessed online. Cities that sweat these details, maps that actually match the street grid, sidewalks you can roll a suitcase over, ride-hail coverage at odd hours, earn reputations that marketing budgets can’t buy.

Storytelling matters as much as policy

Digital nomads don’t choose countries; they choose narratives they can picture themselves inside. Cities that surface their distinct scenes including film festivals, cycling clubs, live-coding nights, rooftop poetry readings, convert browsers into applicants. Africa’s storytelling edge is real: food, music, design, and nature collide in ways that feel new to many visitors. The task is to package that energy with practical information and to make the welcome feel official, not improvised.

A chance to lead, not follow

The movement is not a fad. It’s a structural change in how knowledge work is organized and where it can happen. Africa’s opportunity is to set terms early and fairly: visas that favor longer, steadier stays; incentives that spread benefits beyond a few streets; infrastructure that serves residents first and visitors by extension. Do that, and the continent won’t just host a wave of remote workers, it will help shape what the next decade of mobile work looks like.

Nairobi is set to host the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) 2025 from 1st to 3rd October at Uhuru Gardens, bringing together local and international tourism stakeholders for one of East Africa’s premier travel events. The expo offers a platform for Kenyan travel businesses to connect with global partners, explore new markets, and strengthen their presence in the international tourism arena.

Building on the success of previous editions, last year’s MKTE attracted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries, highlighting Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings. This year, organizers aim to host 5,000 participants, including 160 hosted buyers and more than 100 buyers’ clubs, underscoring the event’s continued growth and importance for both local enterprises and international players.

The expo provides a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized tourism businesses to access global markets without the high costs of overseas exhibitions. It also encourages domestic tourism, promoting Kenya’s rich variety of destinations and experiences to local travelers, which remains an untapped segment with significant growth potential.

KATA (Kenya Association of Travel Agents) members will play a leading role at the event, occupying the KATA Pavilion – Booth B47. Participating agencies include Holiday Bazaar, Travelshoppe, Triply, AA Destinations, Grey Impala Safaris, Stejos Tours & Travel, Memima Tours & Travel, and Safe Drive Tours & Travel. Visitors to the pavilion can explore innovative travel products, engage with industry experts, and identify new partnership opportunities that will drive the future of Kenya’s tourism sector.

MKTE 2025 continues to reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading travel destination in Africa. By connecting local tourism players with international buyers and showcasing the country’s world-class attractions, the expo is set to strengthen business linkages, boost visitor numbers, and further diversify Kenya’s tourism offerings, benefiting the industry at both grassroots and national levels.

Emirates and flydubai have launched flights to 14 new destinations across their global networks since the start of 2025, driven by strong international travel demand and Dubai’s continued emergence as a leading aviation hub. The expansion includes the resumption of seasonal routes and increased flight frequencies to existing destinations.

Emirates Adds Five New Destinations
Emirates, the flagship carrier, introduced five new destinations this year. The airline inaugurated services to Da Nang, Vietnam, on June 2, followed by Siem Reap, Cambodia, on June 3, and Shenzhen, China, on July 1.

Operations to Damascus, Syria, were also resumed, with plans to expand to daily flights from October 26. In early August, Emirates launched a new daily service to Hangzhou, marking its fifth gateway in mainland China and its second addition in less than a month after Shenzhen.

The airline plans to deploy its Airbus A350 aircraft on the Hangzhou route starting October, reinforcing its commitment to the Chinese market.

flydubai’s Aggressive Global Expansion
Low-cost carrier flydubai has launched flights to nine new destinations since January 2025. In September, it began regular services to Iași, Romania, becoming the first UAE carrier to operate direct flights from Dubai to the city. With twice-weekly flights, flydubai now serves two Romanian destinations, Iași and Bucharest, and plans to increase Bucharest operations to three daily flights, totaling 21 weekly services.

Also in September, flydubai inaugurated flights to Chisinau, Moldova, becoming the first UAE national carrier to connect Dubai directly with the Moldovan capital. Earlier this year, the airline expanded its summer network with seasonal services to Antalya, Turkey, and Al Alamein, Egypt.

On June 1, flydubai resumed daily flights to Damascus, marking a milestone as the first UAE carrier to restore operations to the Syrian capital. The airline also launched new services to Peshawar, Pakistan, from May 15, 2025, and added three destinations in Iran: Bushehr and Tabriz on March 13, and Qeshm Island on March 14.

Looking Ahead: New Routes in Late 2025
flydubai plans to further strengthen its global footprint with three additional routes in the final quarter of 2025. Scheduled launches include flights to Nairobi, Kenya, from October 15, as well as new European routes to Riga, Latvia, and Vilnius, Lithuania, beginning in December.

Source: gulfnews.com

In a move set to enhance operational efficiency for Kenya’s travel industry, the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rubis Energy Kenya. The partnership aims to provide KATA members with exclusive fuel benefits and strengthen support for the country’s travel and tourism sector.

Under the agreement, KATA members will gain access to personalized Rubis fuel cards, which offer a KES 4 per litre discount at service stations nationwide. The initiative is designed to deliver convenience, security, and significant cost savings for travel agencies and their staff, with options for both prepaid and postpaid card usage to simplify fuel management.

Olivier Sabrié, Group Managing Director of Rubis Energy Kenya, said the company was excited to partner with KATA to support travel agents across the country. “This initiative provides tangible benefits to travel agencies’ operations and demonstrates Rubis’ commitment to empowering the industry,” he remarked.

Dr. Joseph Kithitu, KATA Chairman, highlighted the strategic value of the collaboration, noting that it reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to improving efficiency and delivering cost-saving opportunities for its members. “By merging Rubis’ extensive retail network with KATA’s leadership in the travel industry, this partnership strengthens sustainability, competitiveness, and growth for travel agencies nationwide,” Dr. Kithitu said.

KATA members can register for the fuel cards by submitting the required documentation through the association. Rubis Energy will oversee the issuance and distribution of the cards, ensuring timely delivery and seamless access for all registered participants.

The collaboration marks a significant step in supporting Kenya’s travel sector, enabling agencies to operate more efficiently while maximizing cost savings.