Kenya’s tourism industry is navigating an unusually challenging period as two major disruptions are slowing the flow of visitors and complicating logistics for tour operators: the aviation crisis in the Middle East and severe flooding in parts of the country.
Middle Eastern carriers operate some of the fastest and most affordable routes into East and Central Africa with dozens of daily flights to key cities including Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Dar es Salaam.
However, the recent crisis affecting Middle Eastern hubs has disrupted this vital air corridor, sending ripples across Kenya’s travel ecosystem.
Hamisi Hassan, Group MD for FCM Travel Solutions and Vice Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, said: “About 50% of transit traffic moves through the Middle East. At the moment, there are barely any ticket sales.”
Every cancelled or delayed flight triggers a cascade of complications. Hotel bookings, tour packages, transit visas and onward connections all require adjustment. For group bookings and conferences, a single disrupted flight can affect dozens of travellers simultaneously, requiring rapid coordination to secure alternative arrangements.
Flood damage
While the aviation disruption dominates international travel concerns, Kenya has faced its own challenges with unusually heavy rains and flooding across key tourism areas.
The most affected regions include Nairobi, where floods have claimed 42 lives, and parts of the Maasai Mara, particularly along the Talek and Mara rivers. Several bridges were washed away, temporarily disrupting access to certain camps and game drive routes.
Sheila Nemali, Chief Happiness Officer at Lorien Mara, explained how her team managed logistics despite the flooding.
“Mara North and Mara Triangle are okay except that some bridges have been washed away. It mostly rains in the evening and it’s about 28 degress Celsius during the day.”
Some camps are rerouting guests to passable airstrips, Nemali added. “People can still do game drives but need to avoid damaged bridges. There is a lot of wildlife so the safari experience continues.”
Harison Nampaso, Chairman of the Mara Association, said lessons from previous years have helped operators navigate the current rainy season more effectively.
“Communication has become central to crisis management with WhatsApp groups used for real-time updates and zonal representatives coordinating with the county government to ensure resources reach affected areas promptly. Airstrips remain operational and most camps continue to welcome guests although advisories urge travellers to avoid flood-prone areas,” said Nampaso.
