Safarilink Launches Kisumu-Entebbe Flight, Cementing Kisumu’s Role as Regional Commerce Hub

Kenya, December 15 2025 - Safarilink Airline has officially launched a direct Christmas-season flight connecting Kisumu, Kenya, to Entebbe, Uganda, signaling a significant step in the city’s emergence as a regional economic and transport hub. The move is being hailed by local officials as a milestone in Kisumu’s ambition to position itself as a gateway for East and Central Africa.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili described the new route as more than a travel convenience—it represents a strategic initiative to foster deeper regional integration and bolster economic growth. According to the governor’s office, the Kisumu-Entebbe flight is expected to enhance connectivity, streamline travel for business professionals, and facilitate cultural and economic exchanges across the Kenya-Uganda border.

“This development allows faster, more efficient, and more reliable travel between Kenya and Uganda, supporting both business mobility and social interactions,” Nyong’o noted in a statement. The governor emphasized that Kisumu is committed to nurturing an environment conducive to investment, business expansion, and innovation. The city’s hospitality sector is growing, travel infrastructure is strengthening, and the capacity to host diverse regional interests continues to improve.

Central to the city’s growth trajectory is Kisumu International Airport. The recently completed modern control tower enhances operational safety and air traffic management, while an ongoing runway expansion—from 3.5 kilometers to 4.5 kilometers—will enable the airport to accommodate larger aircraft. Officials expect that this will attract more international airlines and expand the city’s range of air routes.

“Airport expansion is not just about infrastructure; it’s a strategic investment in Kisumu’s long-term economic future,” Nyong’o said. “It will attract more visitors, facilitate export growth, and position Kisumu as a competitive transport and logistics hub for the region.”

The governor also highlighted plans for further strategic investments, including cold storage and warehousing facilities at the airport. These developments are expected to boost the export of high-value goods such as fresh produce, fish, and flowers, reinforcing Kisumu’s role in regional and international value chains.

Industry analysts suggest that the new Kisumu-Entebbe flight could have a multiplier effect on regional trade and investment. Improved air connectivity typically reduces logistical costs, increases business efficiency, and enhances access to new markets. For Kisumu, which has long sought to diversify its economy beyond traditional sectors, the route provides a tangible step toward strengthening its economic ecosystem.