Kenya Moves to Raise Air Passenger Charges to Boost Tourism and Aviation Funding
Kenya's Parliament is advancing the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment Bill, 2025), which proposes a 25% rise in international ticket charges to $50 and a 20% increase in domestic charges to Ksh600. The funds will be channelled to four key agencies: the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Meteorological Services Authority (KMSA), and a new consolidated Tourism Fund. The Bill passed its Second Reading in late August and now awaits further scrutiny at committee level, with implementation expected before the end of 2025 pending final votes and presidential assent.
Lawmakers argue the adjustment is overdue, following a 13-year freeze, and will provide reliable funding for aviation infrastructure upgrades, tourism marketing, air safety, and climate services. The inclusion of KMSA as a new beneficiary reflects growing emphasis on using accurate weather forecasting to support flight safety and disaster preparedness. The move also aligns Kenya with regional peers such as Tanzania, which recently introduced a $45 international air ticket fee. Industry stakeholders will be watching closely as Parliament finalises the allocation of funds to avoid undermining key infrastructure projects and ensure tangible benefits for airlines, travellers, and the tourism economy.
