The National Assembly has passed legislation seeking to give Kenya’s air passenger service charge a more targeted role in funding aviation safety and promoting tourism.
Parliament passed the Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Thursday, August 27, paving the way for changes in how revenue collected through the levy is managed and allocated.
The Bill, sponsored by Kimani Ichung'wah, the Leader of the Majority, seeks to amend the Air Passenger Service Charge Act and strengthen the link between the money paid by air travellers and investments in Kenya’s aviation ecosystem.
A key focus of the legislation is aviation safety, with revenue expected to support institutions responsible for maintaining safe and efficient air transport operations.
“The Bill seeks to streamline the management and allocation of the Air Passenger Service Charge, with the broader objective of ensuring that funds generated from the charge contribute directly to strengthening aviation safety and promoting tourism,” Parliament said in a statement.
The proposed changes are expected to strengthen the capacity of aviation safety institutions and support measures aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of air transport.
Parliament said the move would have wider benefits for passengers, airlines and other players in the aviation industry.
“A stronger aviation safety framework will benefit passengers, airlines and other players in the aviation industry while enhancing confidence in Kenya’s air transport system,” the statement added.
Tourism to benefit
Part of the revenue collected through the passenger charge will also support tourism promotion, recognising the role of air connectivity in bringing international visitors to Kenya and facilitating domestic travel.
The move could help strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a tourist destination while supporting businesses and communities whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
The legislation also seeks to provide greater clarity on the administration and distribution of revenue raised through the charge, potentially giving travellers and aviation operators a clearer understanding of how the levy is being used.
For passengers, the proposed changes concern the service charge included in their travel costs, rather than the entire amount paid for an airline ticket.
The development comes as air travel in Kenya and the wider region continues to expand, supported by growing interest in domestic tourism, Kenya’s international tourism attractions and evolving travel requirements across countries.
It also follows the recent approval by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) of a new batch of air service licences, paving the way for additional domestic and international routes.
The new legislation is therefore expected to strengthen the connection between passenger charges and investments in the aviation sector, while directing part of the revenue towards tourism promotion.
With the National Assembly having passed the Bill, it will proceed through the remaining legislative stages before the changes can take effect.
