Kisumu is the hub of business for Western Kenya

upgraded Kisumu International Airport, a crucial facility for businesses and individuals in Western region

KISUMU, KENYA: Kisumu County governor Prof Anyang Nyong'o has called on new airline service providers flying the Western Kenya routes to cap flight prices to attract more clients.

Nyongo said in as much as the Airline services were preferred as faster over long distance travels, the high cost of tickets was barring many people from opting to fly.

But with the current emerging competition in the Airline Industry and on going expansion of local Airports, there is need to cap cheaper flying fares.

''This will no doubt boost the Airline services provisions in the country, because many business and political elites and other persons will opt for this means of travel,'' he said

Nyong'o said Kisumu will continue to strengthen its position as the hub of business in western Kenya amid good reports that business travel has increased exponentially.

He applauded the increased number of scheduled commercial flights into Kisumu Airport from four flights a day in 10 years ago to 24 scheduled flights daily in and out of Kisumu in 2017.

“This is shared among five scheduled operators - Kenya Airways, Jambojet, Fly 540, Reliance Air and now low cost airline Silver stone Air Services. This is indeed very impressive,” Nyong’o disclosed.

Nyong’o was speaking during the launch of the Silverstone Airlines in Kisumu which will fly passengers in and out to Kisumu to Nairobi on a daily basis at Sh4,500

The Silverstone Airlines will operate from Wilson Airport and will carry 50 passengers per trip, according to the Airline’s Managing Director, Captain Mohamed Somow.

“Silverstone prides itself in the provision of customized service with a view to complement tourism, through growth of domestic tourism identified as a major driver of revenue contribution to Kenya’s GDP,’’ said Somow.

He said the choice of Wilson Airport provides a vantage pick up point that offers distinctive advantage to travelers due to its proximity to the Central Business District in Nairobi.

"This is one the competitive advantage that Silverstone air lines will have over the rest of players in the sector," Nyongo claimed.

But this should lead to good pricing because many of our people here love traveling by flight which is faster and time saving.