Kenyans will now dig deeper into their pockets when booking flights after President William Ruto signed the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025 into law. The new legislation increases levies on both domestic and international air travel, marking the first revision of the charges in over 13 years.
Under the new law, passengers flying within Kenya will pay Ksh.600, up from Ksh.500, while international travelers will pay Ksh.6,500, up from Ksh.5,000. This represents a 20 percent increase for local flights and 25 percent for international routes.
The government says the move aims to boost funding for key agencies in the aviation, tourism, and climate sectors. Funds collected through the charge will be distributed among four state bodies the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA), and the newly consolidated Tourism Fund.
The Tourism Fund will now merge with the Tourism Promotion Fund, a move intended to eliminate duplication and improve efficiency in financing tourism-related projects. Meanwhile, the inclusion of the Meteorological Service Authority seeks to enhance weather forecasting and climate data services, vital for flight safety and disaster preparedness.
The new law also gives the Cabinet Secretary for Transport the authority to review the charges periodically through gazette notices, allowing adjustments in line with economic changes or sectoral needs.
However, the timing of President Ruto’s assent to the Bill has stirred public debate, as it coincided with the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Critics argue the announcement was poorly timed, while the President has maintained that all Bills are constitutional and part of his administration’s reform agenda.
Supporters of the Bill insist the levy increase is essential to sustain aviation infrastructure, ensure air safety, and promote tourism competitiveness in the region.
