travel 27 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Sky-High Fares Grounding Uganda-Kenya Tourism Growth, Officials Warn
Expensive air travel and bureaucratic hurdles are significantly hindering the growth of tourism between Uganda and Kenya, according to tourism officials and private sector leaders. They are calling for urgent measures to reduce costs and streamline travel processes to boost visitor numbers and economic benefits. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/high-travel-costs-threaten-uganda-kenya-tourism-growth-5573956
High airfares and lengthy travel procedures are emerging as major obstacles to deepening tourism ties between Uganda and Kenya. Officials warn that these barriers are limiting cross-border movement, consequently impacting efforts to grow tourism, attract investment, and create jobs.
“The cost of travelling between the two countries remains one of the biggest obstacles to increasing tourist numbers,” stated Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU). He highlighted that a short flight from Entebbe to Nairobi can cost as much as $800 (approximately Shs2.8 million), a price point considered disproportionately high compared to similar international travel.
Even the more affordable bus option, while costing around Shs100,000 for an 8-10 hour journey to Mombasa, leaves travelers exhausted, diminishing the ‘experience’ that is central to tourism. This highlights the need for more accessible and comfortable travel alternatives.
Beyond cost, non-tariff barriers are also a concern. Uganda’s State Minister for Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Susan Nakawuki Nsambu, pointed to Kenya’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, citing delays in processing that can deter potential visitors. “If ETA should be there, let it be done within 24 hours. Why do you need 72 hours? It is a non-tariff barrier, it is blocking our tourists,” she emphasized.
Minister Nsambu also shared her personal experience, noting she recently paid $600 for a child’s flight to Mombasa, underscoring the excessive cost of regional air travel. She urged regional aviation authorities and governments to engage airlines to address these pricing issues.
While acknowledging the challenges, Kenya’s Minister Counsellor in Kampala, David Kabata, expressed optimism that increased competition, with new airlines entering the market, could eventually lower fares. He also suggested that government taxation policies might be contributing to the high ticket prices, calling for a review.
These discussions come as both nations aim to enhance tourism cooperation and promote multi-destination travel. With a target to significantly increase tourist numbers between the two countries, addressing these travel impediments is crucial for achieving Uganda’s economic growth ambitions.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)