Kenya’s travel industry is experiencing a new wave of regional movement, driven by increased tourism flows, conference travel, and stronger air connectivity across East Africa.
This momentum shaped discussions at the 2025 Kenya Travel Industry Business Awards (KeTIBA), where industry leaders examined how digital systems and financial tools can support the rising traffic.
Daily flights between Nairobi, Entebbe, Kigali, Arusha, Mombasa, and Zanzibar continue to grow, strengthening East Africa’s tourism corridor.
Travel agents say this mobility is creating more bookings, faster turnaround times, and higher expectations from travellers seeking quick and seamless transactions.
Behind this growth is the pressure on agencies to process bookings and settle payments with airlines within tight windows.
Most agencies operate in a credit-based environment, clients book first, pay later, while airlines require settlement within days.
This mismatch has made payment reliability a central industry concern.
Equity Bank’s Director of SME Banking, Collins Wanyonyi, observed that the sector has reached a critical point where digital efficiency is no longer optional.
“Travel agencies work under strict timelines where delays can mean lost seats or penalties,” he said.
“The entire ecosystem depends on payment systems that can move money instantly and accurately. Our work is to ensure the systems behind those transactions are reliable so businesses can serve travellers without delays.”
American Express Vice President Jonathan Curtis noted that high-value travellers, both local and international, continue to contribute significantly to tourism revenue.
“Premium travellers spend more and expect frictionless transactions,” he said.
“When payments move smoothly, it strengthens confidence in East Africa as a competitive travel destination.”
Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) CEO Nicanor Sabula said the sector is still heavily credit-dependent.
“Agencies must often fund airline payments before receiving money from customers, a challenge that intensifies during holidays and school breaks,” he said.
He added that traditional credit limits have constrained agencies during peak periods, forcing many to pause bookings or negotiate for alternative arrangements.
Beyond celebrating excellence, KeTIBA awards help push the industry toward better service, digital transformation, and stronger compliance.
Stakeholders noted that a more technologically equipped travel sector is essential for Kenya to remain competitive amid rising regional tourism.
