Air travellers in Kenya may have to cough out more money as air fares in Kenya are set to rise following Treasury secretary, Henry Rotich, plans to introduce a special tourism promotion fund levy.

According to the proposal, Air Passenger Service Charges for external travel will be increased from $40 (Sh4,000) to $50 (Sh5,000) while the internal travel will be increased from Sh500 to Sh600.

“The revenue realised from the increase will be used exclusively for the promotion of tourism. In this regard, the National Treasury and the ministry of Tourism will develop a Special Tourism Promotion Fund for this purpose,” said Rotich.

The charge is usually included in flight tickets and this is the first time in five years that a fee increment on the levy is being implemented by the government.