Legitimate travel agents in Kenya are increasingly asserting their presence in a market long troubled by rogue operators, following regulatory changes introduced in late 2025 and a growing role played by professional travel industry associations.

For much of the past decade, fraudulent and unlicensed travel agents have thrived during peak travel seasons, particularly during December holidays, Easter, and mid-year school breaks. Complaints ranging from fake airline tickets to abandoned travellers surged sharply as international travel rebounded after the pandemic, exposing gaps in enforcement and consumer protection.

The turning point came in the final quarter of 2025 when the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) tightened licensing rules, making membership in recognised industry associations a mandatory requirement for travel agents seeking licences or renewals. The move marked a shift toward shared oversight between the regulator and the private sector, effectively raising the threshold for entry into the travel trade.

Since the changes were introduced, industry players report a steady increase in the number of licensed and professionally affiliated agencies, alongside heightened scrutiny of informal operators. Enforcement efforts intensified ahead of the December 2025 festive season, traditionally the busiest and most vulnerable period for travel-related fraud.

Professional associations have moved to the forefront of this transformation. While the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) remains a central player, it is part of a broader ecosystem that includes other associations. Together, these bodies have expanded their mandate beyond advocacy to include member vetting, ethics enforcement, and consumer dispute resolution.

In recent months, several associations have introduced seasonal compliance drives timed around peak travel periods in June and July and at the end of the year. These initiatives are designed to flag non-compliant businesses early and provide regulators with up-to-date industry intelligence.

Internationally affiliated organisations have also influenced the shift. Regional and Global bodies such as the Association of Eastern and Southern Africa Travel Agents (AESATA), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the United Federation of Travel Agents Associations (UFTAA) have provided standards on financial accountability, consumer protection, and ethical conduct that local associations are now embedding into their membership requirements. This alignment has helped Kenyan agencies build credibility with international airlines, hotels, and travel partners.

Early signs suggest the new framework is having an impact. Airlines and accommodation providers report an increase in bookings routed through accredited agents, while insurers say claims linked to travel agent fraud declined during the 2025 end year travel period compared with previous seasons. Travellers are also becoming more cautious, increasingly checking licences and association membership before making payments.

Regulators say the objective is not to restrict the industry but to professionalise it. By anchoring licensing to association membership, oversight now extends beyond government inspections to continuous peer monitoring within the industry itself.

As Kenya heads into the 2026 travel cycle, industry leaders believe the balance is shifting. Legitimate travel agents are gaining visibility and trust, while rogue operators are finding it harder to operate in the open. For an industry built on confidence and reliability, the growing influence of professional associations may be the most significant reform yet.

Kenya Airways stood out as one of the most successful carriers at the global SkyTeam Aviation Challenge 2025, earning multiple awards and reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable aviation among international competitors. The event brought together more than two dozen airlines from across continents to showcase practical solutions that reduce environmental impact and transform commercial flight operations.

Kenya Airways was among the top winners of the ceremony, capturing three major awards. Its catering innovations were recognised as the Most Impactful Solution, reflecting the airline’s ambitious effort to eliminate single-use plastics and adopt biodegradable and recyclable materials throughout its in-flight service. These measures have helped cut annual plastic waste by hundreds of tonnes while delivering cost savings that strengthen the airline’s operational sustainability.

The airline’s programme also earned the coveted Game Changer of the Year title, bestowed on a Kenya Airways team leader whose work in upcycling and local-sourcing has tied the company’s environmental goals to broader economic benefits for communities in Kenya. In addition, Kenya Airways received Special Recognition for its collaboration with the Dutch carrier KLM, underlining how cross-continental partnerships can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in aviation.

The airline’s low-cost subsidiary, Jambojet, also featured prominently at the awards, winning the Most Compelling Story accolade for a project that converts collected plastic waste into useful materials for schools and community facilities. This initiative demonstrated how airlines can extend their environmental impact beyond the tarmac and into local societies.

Kenya Airways’ success in Copenhagen contrasted with other global carriers at the Aviation Challenge. Europe’s KLM also received recognition for its low-emission flights and knowledge sharing, including an award for achieving exceptionally low CO₂ emissions on a SAF-powered flight and another for contribution to collaborative efforts with partner airlines.

The Aviation Challenge highlights solutions that are already being implemented, rather than speculative technologies, and measures their real-world impact. Airlines are judged on emissions reductions, waste minimisation and operational efficiency. Kenya Airways’ haul of awards signalled not just environmental commitment but growing operational maturity, placing the Nairobi-based carrier in the same conversation as longstanding leaders in sustainable aviation.

As the aviation industry seeks pathways to meet ambitious climate targets over the coming decades, the performance of carriers like Kenya Airways and Jambojet at this year’s global gathering suggests that sustainable aviation is achievable both in developed markets and for airlines operating from emerging economies.

Source : africasustainabilitymatters.com

The global aviation industry is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation, driven by advances in security screening technology that promise to redefine how passengers experience airports. One of the clearest illustrations of this shift can be seen at London’s Heathrow Airport, which has recently completed a full rollout of next-generation computed tomography (CT) security scanners across all its terminals.

While Heathrow’s move is significant in its own right, its broader importance lies in what it represents for the future of aviation worldwide — a future where security, efficiency, and passenger convenience no longer exist in tension, but instead reinforce one another.

For decades, airport security procedures have been shaped by risk mitigation rather than passenger experience. The requirement for travelers to remove laptops from hand luggage and limit liquids to small containers became a universal feature of flying after 2006, setting expectations that inconvenience was simply part of staying safe. Today, advanced CT scanning technology is challenging that assumption.

A New Era of Security Screening

Unlike traditional two-dimensional X-ray machines, CT scanners generate high-resolution, three-dimensional images of carry-on luggage. This allows security officers to rotate and analyze items in detail without requiring passengers to unpack electronics or liquids. As a result, travelers can now pass through security checkpoints with laptops, tablets, and liquid containers — even larger volumes — remaining inside their bags.

The implications are immediate and tangible. Security lines move faster, congestion is reduced, and passengers face fewer points of confusion and stress. For airport operators, the technology delivers greater accuracy in threat detection while simultaneously improving throughput at checkpoints — a rare alignment of safety and efficiency.

What This Means for Aviation Operations

For the aviation sector, the adoption of next-generation screening technology marks a strategic operational shift. Airports are complex ecosystems where delays in one area cascade across the entire system. Security checkpoints are among the most critical pressure points, especially during peak travel seasons.

More efficient screening means smoother passenger flow, fewer missed flights, and improved punctuality. Airlines benefit indirectly through better on-time performance and reduced strain on ground operations. Over time, these efficiencies translate into stronger airport reputations, higher passenger satisfaction, and increased competitiveness as travelers increasingly choose routes and hubs based on ease of transit, not just price or frequency.

Importantly, the technology also future-proofs airport infrastructure. As passenger volumes continue to rise globally, airports that invest early in scalable, intelligent security systems will be better positioned to absorb growth without compromising safety or service quality.

The Travel Agent Perspective

For travel agents, developments like these reshape both the client experience and the advisory role they play. Security procedures are among the most common sources of traveler anxiety, particularly for first-time flyers, families, and elderly passengers. Simplified screening processes reduce friction and uncertainty, making air travel more accessible and appealing.

Travel agents can incorporate these improvements into destination marketing, itinerary planning, and client briefings. An airport that offers faster, less intrusive security screening becomes a stronger selling point, especially for premium travelers and time-sensitive clients. In an increasingly experience-driven travel market, such details matter.

Moreover, smoother airport processes enhance overall journey satisfaction, which reflects positively on everyone involved in the travel chain — including agents who curate and manage those journeys.

Wider Implications for Stakeholders

Beyond airlines and travel agents, next-generation security technology affects a wide range of stakeholders. Airport authorities gain better visibility and control over operations. Security agencies benefit from enhanced detection capabilities. Retail and concession operators see increased foot traffic as passengers spend less time queuing and more time engaging with airport services.

There are also environmental considerations. Reduced reliance on single-use plastic bags for liquids, fewer trays, and less congestion contribute to more sustainable airport operations — an increasingly important priority for regulators and travelers alike.

A Signal for the Future

Heathrow’s adoption of CT scanners is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a signal of where global aviation is headed. It demonstrates that airports no longer have to choose between security and convenience, and that investment in smart infrastructure can deliver benefits across the entire travel ecosystem.

For countries and regions looking to strengthen their aviation and tourism sectors, the lesson is clear. As passenger expectations evolve, airports that embrace innovation will set new standards for efficiency, safety, and service delivery. Advanced screening technology represents not just improved security, but a reimagining of how air travel can and should feel.

As the global travel industry continues to recover and grow, such innovations point toward a future where airports are no longer bottlenecks, but seamless gateways — supporting tourism, trade, and connectivity in equal measure.

The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), in partnership with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), has taken a significant step toward strengthening coordination within Kenya’s aviation and travel ecosystem following a high-level engagement session held at Moi International Airport (MIA).

The engagement brought together KATA members, airport management, and representatives from key operational departments for a comprehensive briefing on airport operations and regulatory processes. The session was designed to enhance mutual understanding between travel agents and airport authorities, with the ultimate goal of improving operational efficiency and passenger experience at one of Kenya’s busiest international gateways.

At the heart of the discussions was a detailed presentation on the overall operations of Moi International Airport, providing KATA members with insights into how various departments function and interact on a daily basis. Specific engagements focused on security procedures, passenger facilitation, customs operations, immigration processes, and port health requirements—all critical components in the smooth movement of travelers through the airport.

This forum allowed travel agents to raise operational concerns, seek clarifications, and propose solutions to recurring challenges encountered in the handling of passengers, documentation, and compliance requirements.

Speaking during the session, KATA Coast Liaison Patrick Kamanga underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration between industry stakeholders and airport authorities, noting that effective communication remains central to the delivery of seamless travel services.

“These engagements are critical in ensuring smoother airport operations and improved coordination between travel agents and airport departments,” Kamanga said. “By working closely with KAA and other agencies at the airport, we are strengthening efficiency, compliance, and the overall passenger experience at Moi International Airport.”

He added that such forums not only help align operational expectations but also empower travel agents with up-to-date knowledge on regulatory and procedural changes, enabling them to better serve travelers and airline partners.

The engagement highlighted KATA’s broader commitment to capacity building and stakeholder engagement, particularly in the Coast region, which remains a key hub for international tourism, trade, and connectivity. Moi International Airport plays a vital role in supporting coastal tourism and facilitating access to Kenya’s hospitality offerings, making effective coordination among stakeholders essential.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Thriving Travel Industry

In a related development aimed at reinforcing industry resilience, Guaranty Trust Bank (Kenya) Ltd. paid a courtesy visit to the KATA Coast Office, signaling growing interest from the financial sector in supporting Kenya’s travel and tourism industry.

The meeting, hosted by the KATA Coast Executive Officer, provided a platform for exploratory discussions on potential areas of partnership and membership collaboration. Talks focused on identifying enhanced financial solutions and tailored productsthat could support travel agents in managing cash flows, accessing credit, and investing in business growth amid an evolving market environment.

Both parties explored collaborative initiatives designed to empower KATA members, strengthen business sustainability, and unlock new opportunities across the travel value chain. The discussions also emphasized the role of innovation and strategic financing in helping travel agencies adapt to changing consumer behavior, digital transformation, and emerging global travel trends.

KATA noted that partnerships with financial institutions are instrumental in advancing member interests and building a more connected, competitive, and financially resilient travel industry. By aligning with strategic partners, the association aims to create tangible value for its members while supporting the broader growth objectives of Kenya’s tourism sector.

As Kenya continues to position itself as a leading regional travel and tourism hub, KATA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering collaboration across public and private sector stakeholders. Through operational engagements, strategic partnerships, and regional presence, the association remains focused on strengthening service delivery, enhancing industry standards, and supporting the long-term growth of the country’s travel and tourism ecosystem.

Kenya has firmly positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s tourism resurgence in 2025, playing a key role in the continent’s record-breaking growth in international visitor numbers. The latest industry figures show Kenya among a group of African nations fueling a continent-wide tourism boom, confirming East Africa’s appeal on the global stage.

Africa emerged in 2025 as the fastest-growing region in global tourism, with a remarkable 10.1% surge in tourist arrivals from January to September, highlighting the continent’s diverse experiences and expanding infrastructure. From vibrant cities to world-class wildlife and cultural hubs, the continent’s appeal has never been stronger.

Kenya: A Consistent Leader and Global Draw

Kenya’s tourism sector demonstrated steady and strategic growth, with tourist arrivals up by 4.0% in the first three quarters of 2025 — a strong performance amid rising regional competition. The country’s iconic wildlife safaris, including attractions like the Maasai Mara, and its stunning beach destinations such as Diani, continue to draw visitors from across the world.

This performance builds on Kenya’s strong rebound from the pandemic years: in 2024, the country welcomed a record 2.4 million international visitors, marking a roughly 15% increase over 2023 and generating an estimated Sh452.2 billion in tourism earnings.

Beyond iconic wildlife and scenic beauty, Kenya’s tourism success story is rooted in investment in infrastructure, enhanced digital platforms, and expanded air connectivity — all contributing to easier access and better visitor experiences.

Africa’s Rising Tourism Powerhouses

Kenya’s strong performance goes hand-in-hand with growth seen in other African destinations:

• Morocco led the region with double-digit growth, showcasing rich culture and bustling cities.
• Madagascar surged with a 9.1% increase thanks to its unique biodiversity.
• South Africa and Angola also posted impressive gains, reflecting expanded offerings from urban attractions to adventure tourism.

This collective growth signals that Africa is no longer just a niche destination but a must-visit global tourism hotspot — with Kenya as one of its most reliable pillars.

Looking Ahead

Industry analysts forecast continued expansion in 2026 and beyond as Kenya and its continental partners deepen investments in sustainable tourism, improved infrastructure, and diversified travel experiences. These strategies aim not just to attract more visitors, but also to create lasting economic impact for local communities across the region.

Source : travelandtourworld.com

Aviation plays a quiet but powerful role in Kenya’s economy. As clichéd as it may sound, the reality is that it continuously connects people, moves goods, supports tourism, and positions the country as a gateway to the region. As the travel industry continues to expand, the latest passenger data reveals a clear trend: Kenya’s international air travel is increasingly regional, with Africa firmly at the centre.

According to IATA Direct Data Solutions (DDS), Kenya recorded 2.3 million international origin-destination passenger departures in 2023, accounting for 40 per cent of all passenger departures. Africa emerged as the largest international market, taking 37 per cent of outbound passengers, ahead of Europe at 28 per cent and the Middle East at 13 per cent. In simple terms, more people flew from Kenya to other African countries than to any other part of the world.

In 2024, Kenya’s air travel sector maintained its upward trajectory, with overall airport traffic and international passenger volumes posting measurable growth. Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics shows that 12.83 million passengers transited through Kenyan airports in 2024, up from 12.21 million in 2023, representing a 5.1 per cent increase. International passenger traffic rose by 9.6 per cent, from 6.64 million in 2023 to 7.28 million in 2024, driven by the introduction and resumption of international routes by several carriers. This was not just a rebound in outbound travel but an indication of increased connectivity and choice across Kenya’s regional and global air services.

The momentum carried into 2025. According to the Kenya Airports Authority, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport alone handled about 8.6 million passengers during the year, exceeding its design capacity of 7.5 million and underscoring sustained demand for both domestic and international travel. Q2 figures from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show that international departures rose by approximately 7.3 per cent, from 824,640 in the second quarter of 2024 to 885,139 in the same period in 2025. International arrivals grew by 3.3 per cent over the same period.

This pattern is not accidental. It points to deepening economic ties, growing regional mobility, and Nairobi’s evolving role as a connector city within Africa.

A closer look at the top international city destinations from Kenya reinforces this shift. While traditional long-haul markets remain important, regional cities now dominate the travel map. London ranked first with 164,200 passengers, followed by Dubai with 126,900 passengers. Close behind were Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Johannesburg, Zanzibar, Addis Ababa, and Kigali, placing six African cities among the top ten destinations.

Entebbe alone recorded 121,700 passengers, accounting for 5.2 per cent of all international departures from Kenya. Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg each accounted for just over 3 per cent, while Addis Ababa and Kigali continued to post solid volumes, reflecting strong business, diplomatic, and transit traffic. These are not fringe routes. They are the backbone of Kenya’s international aviation activity.

Taken together, these flows point to a bigger story. Kenya accounts for just 0.2 per cent of global international passenger traffic, ranking 88th worldwide. Within Africa, however, it punches well above its weight, handling about 3.3 per cent of regional international passenger traffic. This gap highlights Nairobi’s growing importance as a regional hub rather than a purely global origin point.

Passenger momentum is also building. International departures grew by 21.5 per cent in 2023, contributing to steady cumulative growth over the past decade despite the sharp disruption caused by the pandemic. For airlines, this has reinforced the value of high-frequency short-haul and medium-haul African routes, which offer resilient demand and faster turnaround times compared to long-haul markets.

This regional tilt aligns closely with broader policy ambitions. The African Continental Free Trade Area and the Single African Air Transport Market were designed to make it easier for Africans to move, trade, and do business across borders. While implementation remains uneven, passenger data suggests that demand is already moving ahead of policy.

Frequent connections between Nairobi and cities such as Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, and Kigali support far more than leisure travel. They enable business mobility, professional services, regional supply chains, and time-sensitive cargo. In that sense, aviation is not merely responding to integration. It is actively driving it.

Still, growth brings responsibility. As traffic volumes rise, pressure on airport infrastructure, airspace management, and regulatory oversight will increase. Maintaining safety, reliability, and efficiency will be critical if Nairobi is to strengthen its position as a trusted regional hub.

Kenya’s aviation story is no longer only about flying far. It is increasingly about connecting Africa to itself efficiently and consistently through Nairobi. If supported by smart policy, infrastructure investment, and regional cooperation, that role could become one of the country’s most durable economic advantages.

In aviation, as in trade, proximity matters. And right now, Africa is where Kenya’s skies are busiest.

^{_{By Felix Wakiuru}}

Kenya Airways has capped 2025 as one of the most successful years in its recent history, sweeping major continental awards, recording strategic operational milestones, and closing the year with high-profile national recognition that underscores its renewed strength in African and global aviation.

In July, at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony held in Dar es Salaam, the national carrier was crowned Africa’s Leading Airline, while also clinching three additional top honours — Africa’s Leading Airline Brand, Africa’s Leading Airline – Business Class, and Africa’s Leading Inflight Magazine (Msafiri). The clean sweep of four prestigious titles reaffirmed Kenya Airways’ leadership in service excellence, brand strength, and passenger experience.

The accolades reflected a year in which the airline not only strengthened customer confidence but also advanced its strategic priorities, focusing on connectivity, sustainability, and service innovation.

Awards Underscore Operational Excellence

Winning Africa’s Leading Airline 2025 — the most coveted title in the regional aviation sector — signaled strong validation from industry peers and travellers alike. Recognition of Msafiri, the airline’s flagship inflight magazine, further highlighted Kenya Airways’ ability to combine operational performance with cultural storytelling and brand engagement.

Earlier in the year, the airline was also named Top Employer of the Year 2025 by The Employers Institute, pointing to internal progress in workforce development, employee engagement, and organizational culture — a critical pillar in the carrier’s turnaround strategy.

Sustainability and Innovation Take Flight

In October, Kenya Airways marked a continental first by operating Africa’s first intra-continental flight using 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) attributes on its Nairobi–Cape Town route. The milestone aligned with global emissions reduction standards under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and CORSIA, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to climate-conscious aviation.

The SAF initiative forms part of broader sustainability efforts, including SAF blending on European routes, projected to reduce tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions annually and position Kenya Airways among Africa’s environmental aviation leaders.

Connectivity and Strategic Partnerships

On the network front, 2025 saw the airline deepen strategic partnerships to expand its global reach. Kenya Airways strengthened its codeshare agreement with Qatar Airways, extending coverage to 19 destinations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and enhancing seamless connectivity through Nairobi and Doha.

Aviation analysts say these partnerships are central to reinforcing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s role as a regional hub, supporting both inbound tourism and intra-African business travel.

Financial Turnaround and Leadership Transition

Industry insiders describe 2025 as a pivotal transition year for the national carrier. By December, Kenya Airways had reportedly recorded its first net profit in 11 years, marking a dramatic turnaround after prolonged pandemic-related disruptions and structural financial challenges.

The year also brought leadership changes, with Captain George Kamal appointed Acting Group Managing Director and CEO, signaling a new phase focused on consolidating gains, improving efficiency, and navigating an increasingly competitive aviation environment.

Cargo Growth and Broader Aviation Impact

Kenya Airways’ momentum extended beyond passenger operations. In February, Kenya Airways Cargo was named African Air Cargo Airline of the Year at the Air Cargo Africa Conference in Nairobi, underscoring the airline’s growing role in regional logistics, trade facilitation, and supply chain resilience across East and Central Africa.

December KeTIBA Wins Seal the Year

The airline closed 2025 on a high note in December, winning two major honours at the Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA) — Best Regional Airline and Best International Airline. The dual recognition, voted on by industry professionals and travelers, cemented Kenya Airways’ position as both a continental connector and a global competitor.

Looking Ahead

Despite ongoing challenges facing African aviation — including cost volatility, infrastructure pressures, and intense competition — Kenya Airways’ performance in 2025 signals a carrier emerging from turbulence with renewed momentum.

As it enters 2026, Kenya Airways’ blend of continental awards, sustainability leadership, expanding partnerships, financial recovery, and national recognition paints the picture of an airline not just reclaiming regional prominence but strengthening its place on the global aviation stage.

In 2025, Africa’s aviation sector stepped into a new phase of confidence and ambition, reshaping how the continent connects with the world. From major airport projects and new long-haul routes to sustainability efforts and regional policy reforms, the year marked a turning point, with Kenya playing a visible and influential role.

Across the continent, airlines and governments moved beyond post-pandemic recovery and began laying foundations for long-term growth. The changes were not just about more flights, but about cheaper travel, greener technology, and stronger regional cooperation.

Kenya’s Growing Role in African Aviation

Kenya remained one of East Africa’s aviation anchors in 2025. Nairobi continued to serve as a key gateway between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, while Kenyan airlines took notable steps toward sustainability and innovation.

Safarilink Aviation made headlines by committing to hybrid-electric aircraft, positioning Kenya among the early African adopters of cleaner aviation technology. At the same time, Kenya Airways advanced plans to support local production of sustainable aviation fuel, signaling a shift toward greener long-haul operations and reduced carbon emissions.

These moves placed Kenya firmly within Africa’s broader push to modernize aviation while responding to global environmental pressures.

Big Infrastructure and Global Ambition

Elsewhere on the continent, Ethiopian Airlines led one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in African aviation history — the development of Bishoftu International Airport, set to become Africa’s largest airport. The project underscored Africa’s intention to compete directly with major global hubs in Europe and the Middle East.

For Kenya, this expansion presents both competition and opportunity. Improved continental hubs can strengthen inter-African connectivity, benefiting Nairobi as a regional link point for business, tourism, and cargo.

Cheaper Skies Through Regional Action

Perhaps the most significant policy shift came from West Africa. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) approved a decision to cut air ticket taxes and passenger charges, a move expected to reduce fares by up to 40 percent.

Aviation experts say this decision has direct relevance for regions such as East Africa, where flying remains expensive for ordinary citizens. For Kenya and its neighbors, the ECOWAS model provides a clear example of how regional cooperation can make air travel more affordable and boost intra-African tourism and trade.

New Routes, New Connections

Across Africa, airlines expanded international reach. Uganda Airlines launched direct flights to London, Nigerian carriers strengthened partnerships with global airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines expanded cargo links to Asia.

Kenya, already well connected internationally, benefited from this wider network growth by strengthening its role in regional feeder traffic, supporting tourism flows into the country and across East Africa.

Challenges Still Remain

Despite progress, 2025 also highlighted persistent challenges. Safety oversight, regulatory consistency, geopolitical tensions, and high operating costs continue to affect African aviation — including in Kenya.

Airlines and regulators face ongoing pressure to balance expansion with safety, affordability, and environmental responsibility.

A Shared African Direction

What stood out in 2025 was a shared sense of direction. Africa’s aviation sector — including Kenya — is no longer focused only on survival. It is investing, experimenting, and coordinating across borders.

For Kenya, the year reinforced its position as a regional aviation leader, while showing that future success will depend on deeper regional cooperation, smarter policies, and continued innovation.

As Africa looks ahead, the skies are no longer just opening — they are being deliberately redesigned, with Kenya firmly part of the journey.

Safarilink Aviation has launched a new regional air service linking Nairobi, Kisumu and Entebbe, a move expected to significantly enhance travel connectivity, tourism, and trade across East Africa.

The new route, which connects Kenya’s capital to western Kenya and Uganda’s capital, will operate daily morning flights, with additional afternoon services scheduled to be introduced on selected days from January 2026. The service will operate through Wilson Airport in Nairobi, Kisumu International Airport, and Entebbe International Airport, offering travellers seamless same-day connections across the three cities.

Safarilink said the route has been designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, providing faster and more reliable alternatives to road travel while improving access between key economic and tourism hubs in the region.

Introductory fares for the service have been set at $150 from Nairobi to Entebbe and $110 from Kisumu to Entebbe, positioning the route as a competitive option for regional travel.

Beyond direct connectivity, the airline noted that the new service strengthens onward travel opportunities across its broader network. Passengers arriving in Entebbe will be able to connect through Nairobi to Kenya’s coastal destinations such as Diani, Lamu and Malindi, as well as to Zanzibar. The route also improves access to western Kenya, enabling smoother connections from the Masai Mara through Migori into Kisumu, and onward travel into Uganda.

Tourism stakeholders are expected to benefit from the enhanced schedule, which supports travel to Kenya’s flagship national parks including Amboseli, Tsavo and the Masai Mara, while also facilitating movement between Uganda and Kenya for leisure, conferences and commercial activities.

Safarilink Chief Executive Officer Alex Avedi described the launch as part of the airline’s broader commitment to regional integration and improved accessibility.

“By connecting Nairobi, Kisumu and Entebbe, we are not only providing dependable and convenient travel options for our passengers, but also supporting tourism growth, commercial exchange and the long-standing social and economic ties across East Africa,” Avedi said.

The new route comes amid growing demand for efficient regional air travel as East African economies deepen cross-border trade and collaboration. Industry observers say improved air links between secondary cities such as Kisumu and regional capitals like Entebbe are critical to unlocking new economic opportunities beyond traditional hubs.

Safarilink, Kenya’s leading regional airline, operates an extensive network connecting Nairobi to safari, coastal and regional destinations. The airline has built a strong reputation for reliability and customer service, particularly within the tourism and business travel segments.

With the introduction of the Nairobi–Kisumu–Entebbe service, Safarilink reinforces its role as a key player in shaping regional air connectivity and supporting East Africa’s growing mobility needs.