Safarilink Launches Inaugural Kisumu–Entebbe Flight, Boosting Regional Connectivity
The governor said that its geographical status being near Uganda and several markets in East Africa makes its region a prime place for trade and business.
Safarilink’s move is expected to induce business growth as well as tourism, thus solidifying Kisumu’s position as a key entry point into the East African regional market. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Kisumu, Kenya – Safarilink Aviation Limited has opened a direct daily flight from Kisumu International Airport to Entebbe in Uganda, an event that has been hailed as a major step in the promotion of regional integration and economic development. The first plane was flagged off on Monday from the Kisumu International Airport, where Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the importance of the city as a regional economic hub.
Governor Nyong’o said in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Governor Mathew Owili that “this flight is not only an expansion of our flight routes, but a step in the right direction of a more regional integrated status of economic growth in East and Central Africa and indeed in Kisumu County.”
The Kenyan governor said that its geographical status being near Uganda and several markets in East Africa makes its region a prime place for trade and business.
The occasion also saw the attendance of Chairperson of KBAA, Mr. Caleb Kositany, and Safarilink CEO Alex Avedi. The Governor also mentioned that a new headquarters for the Lake Victoria Basin Commission has also been commissioned near the airport and that Ugandan, Burundian, Rwandan, and Congolese government representatives can now fly into Kisumu within a 45-minute plane ride, which is a big cut from having to travel distances to Nairobi.
Governor Nyong’o spoke of improvements taking place at Kisumu International Airport and these include the construction of a modern Air Traffic Control Tower as well as the expansion of the runway from 3.5 kilometers to 4.5 kilometers and these will enable the airport to handle larger planes and increase air traffic to facilitate trade and tourism between the port and other destinations.
“The expansion of the airport is an investment for the future of Kisumu, unlocking growth in exports, improving competitiveness, and helping the city develop into a regional logistics and transport hub,” he said.
Safarilink’s new routes from Kisumu to Entebbe are priced at Sh14,000 one way, while the Nairobi to Entebbe fares are at Sh19,000 one way. Safarilink has also released changes in its schedule for 2026 aimed at increasing connectivity within the East Africa region.
Nyong’o encouraged people in Kisumu and across the Lake Region to take advantage of the improved connectivity to foster even stronger economic links. The Lake Region Economic Bloc (LREB), which comprises a total of 14 counties, including Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Vihiga, Trans Nzoia, Kisii, Nyamira, Bomet, Nandi, and Kericho, has a population of between 14-14.9 million people. It is responsible for producing approximately 29 percent of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product, which is contributed by agriculture.
“The Kisumu to Entebbe flight not only cuts the time for travelling, but it will boost the mobility of goods, social/cultural interactions, and integration of the region’s economy,” said the Governor. Safarilink’s move is expected to induce business growth as well as tourism, thus solidifying Kisumu’s position as a key entry point into the East African regional market.
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