Changing times: More Kenyans are ditching the road for skies

In 2025, domestic tourism now accounts for 5.2 million local travellers, nearly double the 2.7 million international visitors recorded in the same year. [iStockphoto]

Domestic air travel in Kenya is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation. Once reserved for tourists and corporate executives, flying is increasingly becoming a practical, everyday option for a broader segment of Kenyans.

This shift is being driven by evolving travel patterns, largely influenced by devolution, which has expanded economic activity across counties over the past decade. As governance, investment, and commerce decentralise beyond Nairobi, the need for faster, more efficient travel has grown significantly.