Coast tourism sector upbeat as low cost jet gears for launch

By PHILIP MWAKIO

MOMBASA, KENYA: The establishment of Jambo Jet, a low cost carrier by the national flag bearer, Kenya Airways (KQ) could help drive up tourism earnings, stakeholders have said.

According to Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) and the Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (MCTA) the new carrier would make accessibility to Coast destination easier.

“Once Jambo Jets takes off to the skies, it will help grow the destination’s vibrancy,’’ said KAHC Executive officer, Sam Ikwaye.

And on her part, Millicent Adhiambo, MCTA Executive officer said that they have waited for an affordable airline for long and its launch is long overdue.

“Airfares in Kenya are too prohibitive to encourage domestic tourism. We laud this move and hope they will fly to all Coastal destinations,’’ she said. She singled out for mention Lamu that remains highly inaccessible owing to bad road network and inefficient air connectivity Mombasa and Nairobi.

The Kenya Airways low-cost subsidiary is set for launch on April 1 with fares of less than Sh3,000 one-way in what promises to revolutionise air travel.

The budget airline will initially launch on Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret routes from Nairobi before venturing to other East African cities.