The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) has issued a clarification following what it has labelled as “misleading online reports” claiming that a new air passenger service charge (APSC) has been introduced.
According to KATA, the APSC is not a new levy. It was first enacted in November 1970 under the Air Passenger Service Charge Act (Cap 475) and has formed part of Kenya’s aviation framework for over five decades. The last review of applicable fees was in 2016 and no new increase has been introduced since then.
The organisation explained that the recent amendment to the Act introduces two administrative updates – not a new charge or fee increase:
- Beneficiaries update: The amendment replaces the Tourism Promotion Fund with the Tourism Fund as a beneficiary and adds the Kenya Meteorological Services Department to the list of entities sharing in the fund.
- Delegation of review powers: Authority to vary the charge has been shifted from Parliament to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport. While this allows for faster adjustments in the future, no revision to current rates has been made.
KATA urged the public, travellers and industry stakeholders to disregard misleading reports suggesting a new levy or an immediate increase in ticket prices.
“KATA remains committed to promoting transparency, accurate information and dialogue on matters affecting the travel and aviation sector in Kenya,” said Nicanor Sabula, CEO of KATA.
