Low-cost carrier Jambojet is set to enhance its operations on the Kisumu-Nairobi route following the acquisition of a ninth aircraft, a Dash 8 Q400, which will boost the airline’s capacity to meet growing passenger demand.
Speaking in Kisumu, Jambojet Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Karanja Ndegwa, revealed that the new aircraft, expected to arrive next week, will increase the number of daily flights between Nairobi and Kisumu from six to seven, with a possibility of scaling up to eight flights on peak days like Fridays and Sundays.
“Kisumu is our third biggest market after Nairobi and Mombasa, and has shown remarkable consistency over the years. We’ve carried 1.53 million passengers on this route in the past 10 years and 254,000 last year alone,” said Ndegwa.
The Kisumu route, he said, currently contributes between 17% and 18% of Jambojet’s annual passenger traffic, making it one of the airline’s most profitable domestic routes.
He added that Jambojet, which operates over 400 return flights per week across its network, attributes its sustainability to the low-cost carrier model which focuses on cost optimisation and efficient aircraft utilisation.
Ndegwa attributed the airline’s dominance on the Kisumu-Nairobi route to quick turnaround times with passengers able to disembark and board the plane in just 25 minutes.
“When the aircraft lands at Kisumu International Airport it takes just 25 minutes and we are on the way back to Nairobi. This has greatly impacted our productivity,” he said.
On operational performance, Ndegwa acknowledged that the airline achieved 83% on-time performance last year—just two per cent short of its 85% target—but reiterated the airline’s commitment to improving punctuality.
The new aircraft, he said, will also help separate currently combined routes such as Kisumu-Eldoret, which are now operated as triangular flights.
On weekdays, he said, the triangular service will continue, but direct flights to both Kisumu and Eldoret will be reinstated on Fridays and Sundays, when passenger loads hit 100% in both directions.
Regarding the suspended Goma route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ndegwa confirmed that Jambojet halted operations three days before the airport closure in January due to safety concerns. However, he indicated a willingness to resume operations once conditions stabilise.
“Goma was a very good route for us. When the opportunity arises and safety is assured, we will definitely consider returning,” he said.
He disclosed that the airline has since redeployed the freed-up capacity from the Goma suspension to strengthen its domestic routes, including Kisumu, Mombasa, and Diani.
Ndegwa added that Jambojet was also exploring future route expansion through Kisumu International Airport given Kisumu’s strategic location.
“Before opening a new route there are so many factors we consider to determine the viability. We have looked at the possibility of direct flights from Kisumu to Juba but we still don’t have the numbers. This is an issue we keep refreshing every day,” he said.
Domestic expansion in Western Kenya, including airports in Homa Bay and Kakamega have been hampered by high-altitude runways and limited runway lengths for the Dash 8 Q400 aircraft with only Kisumu International Airport currently meeting operational requirements.
Asked about potential fare adjustments in response to fluctuating jet fuel prices globally, Ndegwa said the airline has no immediate plans to increase ticket prices, despite the cost of fuel rising from Sh63 to Sh76 per litre in recent weeks.
“The fuel market remains volatile, and we’ll only consider adjusting fares if prices hit Sh100 per litre. For now, even a Sh20 increase won’t affect pricing. We want everyone to fly,” he affirmed.
By Chris Mahandara
