Flight fares from Nairobi to Kisumu have nearly doubled as thousands of mourners prepare to travel to Siaya County for the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga this weekend.
A spot check on airline booking portals reveals a surge in ticket prices, with carriers citing high demand and limited seat availability as the main drivers of the sudden spike.
Skyrocketing Airfare as Demand Surges
On Jambojet, one-way flights scheduled for Friday and Saturday are currently going for between KSh15,500 and KSh19,500, up from the regular fare of about KSh9,300.
Similarly, Kenya Airways (KQ) has listed fares ranging between KSh20,600 and KSh21,300, a significant increase from the typical KSh13,000 charged on the same route.
Meanwhile, budget carrier Safarilink has been fully booked between Friday and Sunday, as mourners rush to Kisumu and the surrounding regions ahead of the funeral scheduled for Sunday, October 19.
Thousands Expected to Attend State Funeral
Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, will be laid to rest at his Bondo home in Siaya County.
The government has declared Friday, October 17, a public holiday in his honour, with the National Funeral Committee confirming that Odinga will receive full state honours.
Transport analysts have noted that the surge in demand has not only affected airlines but also long-distance bus companies, which are reporting fully booked seats to western Kenya through the weekend.
Airlines Defend Fare Increase
While travellers have expressed frustration over the price hikes, airline representatives maintain that the increased fares are demand-driven and comply with dynamic pricing models used globally.
“This is a high-travel period due to the national mourning and upcoming burial in Siaya. Our pricing adjusts automatically to reflect seat demand and availability,” a Jambojet representative explained.
