Kenyans to pay more for flights after Air Passenger Service Charge Bill takes effect

The new law raises levies on both domestic and international flights as the government moves to boost funding for key agencies in the aviation, tourism, and climate sectors. Here’s Jasmine Wambui with that story. 

Under the newly amended law, passengers flying within Kenya will now pay Ksh.600, up from Ksh.500, while those travelling abroad will pay Ksh.6,500, up from Ksh.5,000, under the Air Passenger Service Charge.

This marks a 20 percent increase on local flights and a 25 per cent increase on international routes, the first review in over 13 years.

The law further gives the Cabinet Secretary for Transport the power to review these charges periodically through gazette notices.

Funds collected will be shared among four state agencies: the Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, and the newly consolidated Tourism Fund.

The Tourism Fund will merge with the Tourism Promotion Fund to reduce duplication and improve the coordination of tourism-related financing.

The inclusion of the Meteorological Service Authority is expected to strengthen weather forecasting and climate data services, essential to flight safety and disaster preparedness.

However, the timing of the President’s assent to the Bill has drawn public criticism, as it coincided with the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

President Ruto has defended the move, maintaining that the Bills are constitutional and that his administration has nothing to hide. 

Lawmakers who backed the Bill maintain that the levy adjustment is necessary to ensure stable funding for aviation infrastructure, air safety, and tourism promotion.