Tourism Cabinet
Secretary Rebecca Miano, Kilifi governor Gideon Mungaro and his deputy Flora
Mbetsa. Photo/HandoutKenya’s tourism sector is set for a major boost following the government’s move to simplify the licensing process for new airlines, opening the country’s skies to more international carriers.
Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano said several new airlines have been licensed in recent months, signalling renewed confidence in Kenya as a preferred travel destination.
Speaking during the opening of the 4th Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference and Exhibition at Ocean Beach Resort and Spa in Malindi, Miano revealed that Turkish Airlines has received an additional flight frequency to Mombasa, while Fly Dubai has begun direct operations into the coastal city.
“We now have direct connections between Angola and Kenya, new routes with Saudi Arabia, and increased frequencies by Emirates and British Airways,” Miano said.
“We have streamlined our licensing policies to ensure that applications are processed efficiently, in line with our commitment to expand accessibility and grow tourism numbers.”
The CS also confirmed that discussions are underway between the national and Kilifi County governments to fast-track the expansion of Malindi International Airport, a key gateway for coastal tourism.
Miano lauded the Uganda-Kenya Coast Tourism Conference, themed “Leveraging Youth, Innovation and Technology for Responsive and Inclusive Tourism,” as a vital platform for strengthening cross-border collaboration.
“We are not competitors but collaborators,” she noted.
“Through integration and joint marketing, we can develop shared circuits where a traveller visiting East Africa can experience both Uganda’s attractions and Kenya’s coastline in one package.”
She emphasised the ministry’s commitment to working with youth and digital innovators to market Kenya’s tourism through social media.
Uganda’s Consul General in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, said the collaboration aims to promote complementarity in regional tourism, allowing tourists to plan itineraries that combine Uganda and Kenya’s coast.
“We have a conversation to domesticate regional travel. We are spending so much on regional trave with the East Africa. We now want to ensure the cost of air travel comes down, and also we work on connecting the region with the Standard Gauge Railways,” he said.
He also rallied young people to promote tourism in the region.
“We are focusing on the young people to grow the tourism industry in East Africa. How can we leverage technology and market our region. The world will know about our region,” he said.
He also rallied the private sector and government to have special rates for the regional tourists to attract more tourists from East Africa.
Host Governor Gideon Mung’aro echoed the call for regional integration, saying coastal governors initiated the partnership with Uganda to promote regional tourism.
He urged the government to expedite Malindi Airport’s expansion to accommodate direct international flights.
“The skies are open, but we’ll truly feel it when tourists can land directly in Malindi from their destinations,” Mung’aro said.
He added that Kilifi County is investing in digital marketing initiatives driven by young people to promote local tourism products.
Instant analysis
Kenya’s decision to streamline airline licensing marks a strategic move to boost tourist arrivals and enhance connectivity to its coastal destinations. By welcoming new players such as Fly Dubai and expanding frequencies for major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and British Airways, the government is positioning Kenya as a central aviation and tourism hub in the region.
