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The country’s tourism sector has received a major boost in its strive to lure more Indians for leisure travel into the country following the launch of Mumbai – Nairobi direct flights.

The Indian airline IndiGo, commenced the daily direct flight on August 5, marking the first entry into the African market, with further plans to use Kenya as a gateway to the other African states.

IndiGo’s CEO Pieter Elbers said the move aims to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers from India, while fostering strategic bilateral ties between the two nations.

“With Kenya’s intent to enhance economic growth through tourism, cultural exchange and collaboration in various fields, we are thrilled with the commencement of direct flights, as their goal aligns with our overall vision of providing accessibility and connecting people with places towards economic growth,” Elbers said.

Early this year, Kenya stated its ambitions to increase tourist numbers from the Asian country, as well as tap into the growing demand for Indian travelers.

Speaking during a tourism fair in Mumbai in February, Kenya's high commissioner to India, Ambassador Willy Bett said the Indian community has the potential to add to the international tourism visitation into Kenya.

"Current travel trends shows that the Indian travelers' segment has the disposable income and is ready to travel to tourism destinations,” Bett said.

He added that Kenya was in the right position to tap into the market and grow its tourism business

This was reiterated by Tourism CS Peninah Malonza who said India is ranked among the top five performing tourism source market to Kenya.

This, as the country will be seeking to grow the numbers past the 2019 figures of about 122,649.

“The 2022 tourism performance report reveals that India is the fifth largest source market, with 83,106 visitors received into the country last year,” Malonza said.

“Although the numbers are still below the pre-pandemic levels of 125,032 in 2018 and 122,649 in 2019, the recent numbers indicate there is still enormous growth potential.”

Last year, arrivals into the country from India recorded a growth of about 93 per cent up from 42,159 in 2021.

On his part, Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen emphasised the government's commitment to improving air travel and infrastructure.

He noted that as part of the government’s aviation development policy, there are plans to create a more accessible and efficient air travel network within Kenya and beyond.

“Indigo Air's direct flights between Mumbai and Nairobi aligns perfectly with this vision, enabling seamless connectivity and enhancing the overall travel experience for our citizens and visitors alike,” Murkomen said.

The move was also backed to boost trade ties between the two states which currently is in favour of the Asian nation.

Data by Trading Economics shows Kenya’s exports to India as of 2021 was worth $94.93 million (Sh13.39 billion), compared to $2.11 billion (Sh297.78 billion) of India’s imports to Kenya.

Some of Kenya's key exports to India include: Edible vegetables and certain roots and tubers, inorganic chemicals and precious metal compound, coffee, tea, wool, animal hair and fabric.

On the other hand, Kenya's imports include: Pharmaceutical products, vehicles, machinery, iron and steel.