Airfares between Nairobi and Kisumu have soared dramatically as thousands of mourners rush to attend the late Raila Odinga’s funeral this weekend. Demand for flights has overwhelmed major carriers, with ticket prices doubling and available seats nearly sold out.
Massive Price Increases on Major Airlines
A review of booking platforms on October 17, 2025, shows that leading carriers — Kenya Airways, Jambojet, and Safarilink — have all raised fares on the Nairobi–Kisumu route. The surge comes as crowds prepare to travel to the lakeside city to bid farewell to the veteran opposition leader.
On Jambojet, a one-way ticket that typically costs around Ksh 6,500 is now going for as high as Ksh 19,500. Morning flights are already sold out, forcing passengers to opt for afternoon and evening departures. By Friday morning, only a few seats remained — one on the 1:15 PM flight and three on the 3:20 PM flight, both priced at Ksh 19,500.
Kenya Airways has experienced a similar situation, with fares starting at Ksh 19,400 and nearly all flights fully booked. To meet the unprecedented demand, the airline has added several extra flights throughout the weekend.
Kenya Airways Adds Extra Flights
Kenya Airways announced an expanded schedule to Kisumu, introducing additional flights to ease congestion:
- Friday, Oct 17: Added flights KQ656 (1:30 PM) and KQ658 (7:00 PM)
- Saturday, Oct 18: Introduced KQ650 (6:50 AM) and upgraded KQ654 (8:05 AM) to a Boeing 737
- Sunday, Oct 19: Both KQ654 (8:05 AM) and KQ671 (7:00 PM) will operate as Boeing 737s
- Monday, Oct 20: Flights KQ654 and KQ670 will also be operated using the larger Boeing models
Meanwhile, Safarilink, which operates from Wilson Airport, has also reported that nearly all flights to Kisumu are fully booked, with travelers scrambling for the few remaining seats.
Kisumu Braces for Influx of Mourners
Kisumu is preparing for a massive influx of mourners — both local and international — expected to attend Raila Odinga’s state funeral. Hotels around the city have reported high occupancy, and transportation companies are working round the clock to accommodate the surge in visitors.
Easy Coach Buses Fill Up as Road Travel Demand Grows
For those choosing to travel by road, Easy Coach has listed several nearly sold-out trips from Nairobi to Kisumu. Ticket prices range between Ksh 1,850 and Ksh 1,900, depending on the time of travel.
| Departure Time | Available Seats | Fare (Ksh) |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM (Day) | 3 seats | 1,850 |
| 7:00 PM (Night) | 28 seats | 1,900 |
| 7:30 PM (Night) | 1 seat | 1,900 |
| 8:00 PM (Night) | 8 seats | 1,900 |
| 8:30 PM (Night) | 8 seats | 1,900 |
| 9:30 PM (Night) | 1 seat | 1,900 |
Evening departures are filling fast as passengers seek affordable alternatives to the soaring airfares.
Travel Rush Reflects Raila’s National Influence
The scramble for flights and buses to Kisumu reflects Raila Odinga’s far-reaching influence and the emotional pull of his final journey home. For many Kenyans, attending the funeral is not just about bidding farewell to a political figure — it is about honoring a leader who, for decades, stood at the heart of the country’s democratic struggles.
