The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has proposed reviewing concession and cargo rates at five designated airports, a move that could affect businesses operating within the facilities.
In a public notice, the KAA invited businesses, government agencies, and members of the public to submit their views on the proposed changes.
The authority cited rising airport operational and maintenance costs and the need to fund infrastructure development.
KAA Moves to Review Airport Concession and Cargo Rates, Invites Public Comments
KAA said the existing Concession Order dates back to 1996 and that the review seeks to align fees with prevailing market values.
“The Kenya Airports Authority PLC, pursuant to the applicable legal and regulatory framework and the principles of public participation, transparency and accountability under the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, invites stakeholders and members of the public to submit views and comments on the proposed review of the Concession Order Schedule at designated airports,” KAA said.
“The existing Concession Order dates back to 1996. The proposed review seeks to align fees with prevailing market value and offset rising airport operational costs, maintenance costs and infrastructural development requirements.”
The proposed review covers Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Wilson Airport, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport.
Businesses operating at the airports, including cargo firms, ground handlers, ground transportation providers and hospitality establishments, have been invited to participate in the consultation process.
Financial institutions, airlines, concessionaires, and other interested parties can also submit their views.
How Much Businesses Currently Pay in Airport Charges
Under the current schedule, ground handling providers serving cargo and passengers pay 7 to 12 per cent of their annual gross turnover, while cargo-only handlers pay 7 to 10 per cent. Both categories are subject to a minimum annual fee of Ksh1 million.
Duty-free shops pay 10 per cent of turnover, with a minimum annual charge of Ksh25,962 ($200) per square metre. Courier services, clearing and forwarding firms, cargo consolidators, taxi counters, car rental companies and travel desks generally pay 6 per cent of turnover, although minimum annual fees vary by category.
Other charges include Ksh350 per cubic metre for aviation fuel uplift sales, Ksh6 per kilogram for cargo handling at Wilson Airport, and 50 per cent of gross turnover for advertising billboards and hoardings. Other advertising formats attract 25 per cent of gross turnover.
The review comes years after KAA proposed changes to cargo concession fees. In 2011, the authority proposed introducing a cargo concession fee of Ksh0.50 per kilogram, subject to a minimum charge of Ksh250 per airway bill or consignment.
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KAA Sets Dates for Public Participation
KAA has scheduled public participation forums for Tuesday, November 24, 2026, in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
The Nairobi forum will be held at Panari Hotel, while the Mombasa meeting will take place at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort and Spa.
In Kisumu, the forum will be held at Acacia Premier Hotel, while participants in Eldoret will meet at Boma Inn Hotel.
The meetings will allow stakeholders to comment on the proposed review before the authority proceeds with the process.
KAA has set December 1, 2026, as the deadline for written submissions.
Interested parties have been asked to send their comments to [email protected].
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KAA said it would consider all submissions received within the stipulated period during the review process.
“All submissions received within the stipulated period will be considered in the review process,” KAA added.
The relevant review documents are available on the KAA website at www.kaa.go.ke.
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