Skyward Express has officially launched its air transport services between Nairobi and Garissa County, opening a new travel option for residents, business people and other travellers in the North Eastern region.
Speaking during the official launch ceremony in Garissa, Skyward Express Chairman Captain Mohamed Abdi said the new route would significantly reduce travel time for passengers and traders travelling between Nairobi and Garissa.
“Our main responsibility is to provide efficient services to our passengers while ensuring that resources are utilised effectively,” Abdi said.
He said the introduction of the Nairobi–Garissa route would benefit passengers who have traditionally relied on road transport, particularly those travelling for business and other engagements.
Skyward Express currently operates domestic and regional flights to several destinations. The addition of Garissa brings the airline’s network to 13 destinations and routes.
According to Abdi, the Nairobi–Garissa service will initially operate four times a week, with flights scheduled between the two destinations on selected days. The airline currently plans to operate one-way services, with return flights expected to be introduced as passenger numbers grow.
“We are monitoring the demand, and as the number of passengers increases, we expect to introduce return services,” Abdi said.
The airline also plans to explore the possibility of connecting Garissa with Mombasa, providing residents with easier access to Kenya’s coastal region.
Skyward Express Head of Marketing Sandra Wanjiku Kanyoro said the Nairobi–Garissa service will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
She said the one-way fare between Garissa and Nairobi will be Sh9,000 per passenger.
The airline currently serves several destinations, including Nairobi–Mombasa, Nairobi–Malindi, Nairobi–Lamu, Nairobi–Diani/Ukunda, Nairobi–Eldoret, Nairobi–Lodwar, Nairobi–Kakamega, Nairobi–Migori, Nairobi–Vipingo Ridge, Mombasa–Lamu, Mombasa–Dar es Salaam and Malindi–Lamu.
The launch of the Garissa route is therefore expected to strengthen air connectivity between the capital and Kenya’s North Eastern region.
Garissa Governor Nathif Jama welcomed the new service, saying air transport would provide residents with an alternative to road travel and help ease pressure on long-distance buses.
Governor Jama also thanked the national government for supporting the introduction of the service, saying improved air connectivity could contribute to economic growth and create employment opportunities for young people in the county.
He urged Garissa residents to embrace the new service, particularly members of the business community who frequently travel between Garissa and Nairobi.
“This is an important development for Garissa. Improved air connectivity will not only make travel faster and more convenient but will also support business and economic activities in the county,” Jama said.
The launch marks a significant step in improving transport connectivity between Nairobi and Garissa and is expected to give travellers in the region another option for faster movement between the two destinations.
