Renegade Air has joined other airlines that fly from Nairobi to Kisumu.
The airline will be charging Sh5,000 from Nairobi to Kisumu, with return tickets of Sh10,000.
This is the sixth airline that will be flying the Kisumu skyline.
Renegade Air managing director Kennedy Maina said they chose Kisumu as their second destination due to the rising number of passengers using the route. The airline has been flying to Wajir.
"We embarked on the Kisumu route because of the demand by passengers. It has been ideal for us, being the centre serving the Western region. We look to extend our wings to other destinations in the near future."
Kenya Airports Authority managing director Alex Gitari said there is an increase in the number of passengers using the route – from 101,000 between January and July 2020 to 296,000 this year.
"This surpassed the 2019 figures of 270,000. The improvement is a clear reflection of the recovery of the domestic aviation sector."
Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa said the airline couldn’t have come to Kisumu at a better time, since the county is preparing to host the Kisumu Investments Forum in October and the 9th Edition of the Africities Conference next year.
The CS said Renegade Air and other existing airlines will boost local tourism and the domestic aviation sector.
“We must improve connectivity to make this region a magnet for investors," he said.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said the entry of the airline into Kisumu airspace shows that the lakeside city has become the East African regional business hub.
He appealed to Kenyans and international travellers to support the aviation industry.
The governor underscored his commitment and support to all industry players as they market Kisumu as the best destination for local and international investors.
The airline hopes to open up the western circuit by partnering with hotels to sell accommodation and flying packages.
Nyong’o, Wamalwa and Kisumu West MP Olago Aluoch were among passengers aboard the maiden flight to Kisumu.
Edited by A.N
