Kenya's National Assembly Approves New Passenger Charge Rules to Boost Aviation Safety and Tourism
Air travellers departing from Kenya could soon witness a more transparent and purposeful use of the funds they contribute through the Air Passenger Service Charge, following the passage of a landmark Bill by the country's National Assembly. The move is set to reshape how revenue generated from the levy is directed, with a strong emphasis on strengthening aviation safety and boosting tourism promotion, two pillars critical to the growth of Africa's travel and hospitality industry.
The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2026, tabled by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, has cleared the Committee of the Whole House stage and is now on its way to the Senate for consideration before it can become law. Should it be enacted, the legislation will fundamentally alter the manner in which the levy paid by air passengers is administered and shared among key sector institutions.
Currently, passengers travelling on domestic routes pay Sh600, while those on international journeys are charged US\$50, with the Cabinet Secretary retaining the power to adjust these rates through a Gazette notice. Given the volume of departures from Kenya's airports, the charge represents a substantial and reliable source of sector-specific revenue, making the debate on its proper allocation all the more consequential for the region's travel trade.
This latest legislative push comes barely a year after Parliament last revisited the Air Passenger Service Charge Act. The 2025 amendment, which took effect in November, replaced the Tourism Promotion Fund with the Tourism Fund as one of the beneficiaries of the levy. That earlier reform had sparked lively debate among lawmakers on how the proceeds should be shared among agencies handling aviation and tourism, with many pushing for a framework that avoids duplication in funding while directing resources to institutions that genuinely drive sector growth.
Under the newly proposed framework, a portion of the collected revenue will support agencies tasked with aviation safety oversight and initiatives designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of air transport operations. Kenya has long positioned itself as a regional aviation hub, and industry stakeholders view sustained investment in safety regulation and infrastructure as vital for maintaining that competitive edge. For airlines, ground handlers, and passengers alike, robust safety systems remain the bedrock upon which the entire aviation ecosystem stands.
Equally important, the amendments seek to channel greater support toward tourism promotion, a sector deeply intertwined with the strength of air connectivity. Kenya's iconic wildlife destinations, coastal resorts, and thriving urban centres depend heavily on strong international and domestic air links to attract visitors. Enhanced funding for tourism marketing will therefore directly benefit tour operators, destination management companies, and hospitality players across sub-Saharan Africa who market Kenya as a premier destination.
The Bill also aims to provide clearer rules on how the revenue is administered, potentially giving travellers greater visibility on how their money is put to work. This transparency drive aligns with a broader continental push to ensure that sector-specific charges deliver tangible benefits to the industries from which they are collected, rather than being absorbed into general government coffers.
For Africa's travel trade professionals, the implications are significant. Kenya's approach could set a precedent for other markets on the continent grappling with similar questions on how to fund aviation safety and tourism development sustainably. As governments across sub-Saharan Africa refine their aviation policies to attract more visitors and grow air traffic, the ability to demonstrate that passenger charges directly enhance the traveller experience will become an increasingly valuable selling point.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law, the amendments will mark a decisive shift in Kenya's aviation funding architecture, with aviation safety and tourism promotion emerging as clear winners, and the wider African travel industry standing to benefit from a more connected, safer, and better-promoted regional hub.
