(NAIROBI) – The Kenyan government announced plans to raise taxes on both domestic and international air tickets, a move expected to increase the cost of air travel across the region, including for passengers travelling to and from South Sudan.
The proposal was tabled in parliament by Kimani Ichung’wah, the Majority Leader in Kenya’s National Assembly, who also serves as the leader of government business. The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill 2025 seeks to revise air ticket levies in order to boost state revenue and expand funding for government agencies.
If passed, the bill will increase the tax on international tickets from US$40 to US$50, representing a 25 percent rise. Charges on domestic tickets will move from KSh500 (about US$3.87 or 17,800 SSP) to KSh600 (about US$4.65 or 21,400 SSP), equivalent to a 20 percent increase.
| Ticket Type | Current Charge | Proposed Charge | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| International | $40 | $50 | +25% |
| Domestic (Kenya) | KSh500 ($3.87 / 17,800 SSP) | KSh600 ($4.65 / 21,400 SSP) | +20% |
The government explained that additional funding is needed to support two state institutions – the Tourism Fund and the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority – alongside the existing beneficiaries, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
The Tourism Fund will merge with the Tourism Promotion Fund, which has traditionally received 20 percent of passenger service charge revenues. Officials argue the consolidation will reduce duplication of roles, improve efficiency, and strengthen financing for tourism-related projects, which play a key role in Kenya’s economy.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority is also expected to receive allocations under the revised system. While the Authority already receives direct government funding, it is unclear whether the new allocation will support additional programmes or substitute part of its current budget.
Air passenger service charges in Kenya have remained unchanged for more than a decade. The last major revision was in 2012 when international charges were doubled to US$20 and domestic charges raised to KSh300 (about US$2.32 or 10,700 SSP at current exchange rates).
For South Sudan, the changes may affect the cost of travel for passengers connecting through Nairobi, which remains a key gateway for international flights in and out of Juba. Higher ticket charges could increase expenses for both business and leisure travellers.
