Jambojet has marked a historic milestone after flying 9 million passengers since launching operations in 2014. The carrier, which began as a modest budget subsidiary of Kenya Airways, has grown into a formidable player in the region, today commanding 53% of Kenya’s domestic air travel market while operating 11 routes across 9 destinations.
The milestone underlines Jambojet’s transformative role in Kenya’s aviation sector, having introduced affordable, reliable, and safe air travel to millions of first-time flyers.
Celebrating the 9 Millionth Passenger
The airline celebrated this achievement by recognizing its 9 millionth passenger, Mr. David Makumi, a frequent flyer, who was personally congratulated by Jambojet’s Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mr. Karanja Ndegwa, at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Mr. Makumi received a special prize — a fully paid holiday for two to Zanzibar, Jambojet’s newest destination and a rising tourism hotspot in East Africa.
“This milestone is a testament to the unwavering commitment that our customers have placed on us for the last 11 years. Every journey flown has been a reflection of their belief and trust in our service and their willingness to choose us time and time again. We don’t take that for granted and remain committed to expanding our operations, fleet, and network, which will enhance the customer’s experience by giving more value and making it ‘More Than A Journey’,” said Mr. Ndegwa.
Jambojet’s Growth Trajectory
Since its launch in April 2014, Jambojet has consistently expanded its network to become Kenya’s largest domestic airline by market share. From its primary hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi), the carrier connects major Kenyan cities and coastal destinations including:
- Mombasa,
- Kisumu,
- Eldoret,
- Malindi,
- Ukunda (Diani), and
- Lamu.
Additionally, Jambojet has developed a secondary hub in Mombasa, from which it operates direct routes to Kisumu, Eldoret, and Zanzibar.
The airline currently operates a fleet of nine brand new De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 aircraft, known for their efficiency, fuel economy, and ability to serve shorter runways across Kenya and the region.
In just 11 years of operations, Jambojet has flown over 9 million passengers, with 44% of them being first-time flyers, reflecting the airline’s role in democratizing air travel for Kenyans who previously relied heavily on road transport.
Strategic Expansion: Looking Ahead
Jambojet is not resting on its laurels. According to the airline’s management, its strategic growth plan includes:
- Increasing passenger capacity to over 1.5 million annually by 2026.
- Expanding its fleet with additional aircraft to meet growing demand.
- Opening new routes within East Africa and strengthening regional connectivity.
This expansion aligns with broader government efforts to position Kenya as a regional aviation hub while leveraging domestic tourism and business travel as key economic drivers.
The Role of Low-Cost Carriers in Kenya’s Travel Market
The growth of Jambojet also mirrors a wider shift in consumer travel behavior across Kenya and the continent. Low-cost carriers (LCCs) have opened up air travel to a previously underserved segment of the population.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Kenya’s travel and tourism sector contributed KES 1.2 trillion to the national economy in 2023, representing a 10% year-on-year increase. Domestic tourism alone accounted for KES 528 billion, a clear sign of strong demand for affordable and convenient travel solutions.
By providing competitively priced tickets, Jambojet has tapped into this demand, ensuring that more Kenyans and regional travelers can access fast and reliable air services. This has had a knock-on effect on other sectors such as hospitality, trade, and conference tourism.
Awards and Recognition
Jambojet’s rise has not gone unnoticed on the global aviation stage. The airline is a four-time winner of Africa’s Leading Low-Cost Airline (2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025) at the World Travel Awards.
In addition, the airline was the recipient of the De Havilland Canada Reliability Award in 2018 and 2019, recognizing its excellence in dispatch reliability for the Dash 8-400 series in Africa and the Middle East.
It also holds the coveted IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, earned in July 2019 — a mark of adherence to the highest international standards of operational safety and management.
Safety, Reliability, and Innovation
A key part of Jambojet’s brand strength is its reputation for safety and reliability. The IOSA certification makes it the only Kenyan low-cost carrier to meet these stringent international safety standards.
The airline has also embraced digital transformation to improve customer experience, from online booking platforms to cashless payments and mobile check-in systems. Such innovations have made Jambojet a preferred choice for both business and leisure travelers.
The Zanzibar Connection
Jambojet’s newest route to Zanzibar has been particularly symbolic. Launched as part of the airline’s regional growth strategy, the destination appeals to both leisure travelers and business communities.
The addition of Zanzibar also signals Jambojet’s intent to expand further into East Africa, where demand for affordable air travel continues to grow, driven by rising middle-class populations, increased intra-African trade, and regional integration efforts under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Contribution to the Economy
By creating jobs, enhancing connectivity, and stimulating tourism, Jambojet has become more than just an airline — it is a key contributor to Kenya’s economy.
Some of its contributions include:
- Job creation across aviation and allied industries.
- Boosting domestic tourism by making coastal and upcountry destinations more accessible.
- Supporting business growth by connecting commercial hubs.
- Enhancing cargo operations, allowing for faster movement of goods across its network.
These contributions align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 goals, which identify infrastructure and transport as critical enablers of economic growth.
Industry Outlook
Despite challenges such as rising fuel costs, global economic uncertainties, and competition from road and rail transport, Kenya’s domestic air travel market is poised for further growth.
Factors driving this include:
- Continued urbanization and economic growth.
- Rising demand from first-time flyers and repeat passengers.
- Strategic expansion by carriers like Jambojet into regional routes.
- Ongoing airport infrastructure upgrades across Kenya.
With its strong market presence and growth trajectory, Jambojet is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and solidify its leadership in the low-cost segment.
Jambojet’s 9 million-passenger milestone is not just a corporate achievement; it is a reflection of Kenya’s evolving aviation industry and the growing importance of air travel in the region’s economic and social fabric.
By continuing to expand its fleet, enhance its network, and innovate for customer experience, the airline is setting itself up to cross the 10 million passenger mark in the near future — cementing its place as a pioneer of low-cost flying in East Africa.
