Kenya’s President – H.E William Ruto, has signed the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025 into law, paving the way for higher air ticket charges and a new funding structure for Kenya’s aviation and tourism sectors. The assent, which took place at State House Nairobi, marks a major policy shift aimed at ensuring sustainable financing for key institutions that support air travel, flight safety, and tourism development.
Under the new Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Act, 2025, the international air passenger service charge will rise from US $40 to US $50, while the domestic rate increases from KSh 500 to KSh 600. The levy, which is collected from passengers as part of the ticket price, will continue to be administered by the Ministry of Roads and Transport. The Transport Cabinet Secretary will have the authority to adjust the rates through a gazette notice and determine how the funds are distributed among beneficiary agencies.
The proceeds will now be shared among the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, and the Tourism Fund. This broader distribution replaces the previous arrangement where only a limited number of aviation-related agencies benefited. The inclusion of the Meteorological Service ensures that critical weather forecasting for aviation safety receives consistent funding, while the Tourism Fund’s share will go toward promoting Kenya as a global destination.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the revision was long overdue, as the existing rates had not been adjusted for several years despite rising operational costs. The new framework is expected to modernize airport facilities, strengthen aviation safety standards, and provide better services to passengers. The government has emphasized that the increase is modest and that Kenya’s air travel charges remain competitive within the region.
President Ruto said the enactment of the new law reflects his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance transparency, equity, and development across all sectors. “With my assent, these laws now become part of the Statutes of the Republic of Kenya, reinforcing our collective commitment to address historical injustices, entrench equity and transparency, and accelerate our national development and transformation agenda,” he said during the signing ceremony.
The new air passenger service charge will take effect once the Ministry of Roads and Transport publishes a gazette notice specifying the implementation date. Airlines will then update their ticketing systems to include the revised charges. The government expects that the additional revenue will improve the quality of aviation services, enhance flight safety, and boost Kenya’s tourism competitiveness.