Nairobi, Kenya Kenya’s air travellers are set to pay more as the Air Passenger Service Charge Amendment Bill, 2025 has been signed into law by William Ruto, marking the first increase in over 13 years. The legislation raises the levy for domestic and international flights, signalling a major shift in aviation financing and tourism policy.
Under the newly amended law, passengers flying domestically will now pay Ksh 600, up from Ksh 500, representing a 20 per cent increase. International travellers will face a levy of Ksh 6,500, up from Ksh 5,000, a 25 per cent jump. It is the first adjustment since 2012, underscoring the government’s urgent push to shore up funding for aviation safety, infrastructure, meteorological services and tourism promotion.
Why the increase?
According to the legislation, the funds collected will be channelled to four key agencies:
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) responsible for the management and operation of the country’s airports.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) tasked with aviation regulation, safety oversight and certification.
Kenya Meteorological Service Authority the climate and weather-forecasting agency, now formally included, to enhance flight safety and disaster readiness.
The newly consolidated Tourism Fund formed by merging the Tourism Fund with the Tourism Promotion Fund to reduce duplication and improve coordination of tourism-related financing.
By allocating the increased levy to these agencies, the government says it intends to ensure a stable funding stream for aviation infrastructure, enhance safety oversight, improve meteorological coverage and boost tourism promotion efforts.
Government and parliamentary rationale
Proponents in parliament argue the levy review was overdue. They say Kenya’s aviation sector has seen explosive growth in air traffic, expansion of tourism services and increased regional connectivity yet the passenger service charge had remained static for more than a decade, eroding the real value of the levy and leaving crucial agencies under-funded.
“The rise is necessary,” commented a senior legislator, “if we are to maintain world-class airports, ensure flight safety, deliver accurate weather data and truly promote Kenya as a tourism destination.”
President Ruto has defended his assent to the Bill, stating the move is constitutional and that “there is nothing to hide” in the timing of the approval.
Public reaction and timing concerns
Despite the legal basis, the timing of the President’s assent has drawn public criticism. The Bill was signed into law on a day coinciding with the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, sparking accusations of insensitivity and mis-timing by some members of the public and opposition-aligned commentators.
Critics argue the government could have delayed implementation to avoid perceptions of taking advantage of national mourning. Others warn that the increased cost may disproportionately impact middle- and lower-income travellers or those using smaller regional airports.
Impact on travellers and the tourism sector
For the average Kenyan passenger, the hike means an extra Ksh 100 for domestic flights and Ksh 1,500 for international departures. While these amounts may appear modest, industry analysts say the cumulative effect will be felt across ticket pricing, especially in low-cost carriers and regional operators where margins are thinner.
Tourism stakeholders caution that Kenya’s regional tourism offering is price-sensitive. One tour operator noted: “When you increase the departure levy, you may make Kenya slightly less competitive compared with neighbouring hubs that have lower charges.” Some airlines may absorb the cost, but others will likely pass it to customers raising ticket prices.
On the flip side, if the extra funds are properly managed and put to use, passengers may benefit in the medium to long term from improved airport infrastructure, faster processing, enhanced safety oversight and better weather forecasting all of which contribute to improved travel experience and reliability.
Implementation mechanics and future review
The legislation also grants the Transport Cabinet Secretary discretionary power to review the passenger service charge periodically via gazette notices. This means future increases may no longer require full parliamentary amendment and may hence be more frequent or agile in response to sector needs.
Officials say the arrangement allows the aviation regulatory framework to keep pace with growth and inflation. However, observers warn that without strong oversight and transparency, there is a risk the funds may be diverted or mis-allocated.
What it tells us about broader policy direction
The move signals more than just a levy rise. It reflects the government’s broader policy nexus which links aviation, tourism and climate resilience. Including the Meteorological Service Authority in the fund-allocation scheme underscores an emerging recognition that accurate weather and climate data are essential to flight safety, disaster preparedness and resilient tourism operations.
Merging the tourism funds shows an intention to streamline funding, reduce overlapping mandates and deliver more coordinated promotion of Kenya as a destination. Meanwhile, giving the KCAA and KAA stronger funding support suggests expectations of higher growth in passenger numbers, new routes, expanded airport capacity and enhanced connectivity.
Key risks and considerations
Affordability & equity: While the amounts may appear small, cumulative travel costs (including tickets, surface transport, baggage fees) may discourage travel for budget-conscious Kenyans or diaspora wanting frequent travel.
Competitiveness: In an already competitive East African aviation market, increasing levies may make Kenya slightly less attractive as a transit hub unless matched by service improvements.
Governance and accountability: With new funds flowing, stakeholders will watch closely whether the agencies deliver on promised improvements. Lack of visible results may provoke criticism.
Inflation and cost pass-through: Airlines may pass on the levy increase to customers, and further increases via gazette could gradually add to ticket pricing if not accompanied by productivity gains.
Final word
The signing of the Air Passenger Service Charge Amendment Bill, 2025, marks a clear moment of change: one that shifts more of the cost burden onto the travelling public in exchange for promises of elevated infrastructure, regulation and tourism promotion. Whether the promised improvements materialise and whether Kenyans feel the benefit in better airports, safer flights and enhanced tourism offerings remains to be seen. What is certain is that the era of static levies in Kenyan aviation is over.
