Table of contents for Issue 193 - October-November 2025 in Msafiri

Securing a future for one of Africa's most endangered icons Kenya is home to over 80% of East Africa’s black rhino population and has been at the forefront of efforts to save this critically endangered species. Yet, with numbers slowly recovering, Kenya faces a new challenge: where will these rhinos live as their habitats fill up? The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has launched an ambitious Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) initiative to create more safe spaces for the species to thrive. Professor Erustus Kanga, the Director General of KWS, explains the thinking behind the plan and how travellers can play a part. Q WHY DOES KENYA NEED TO EXPAND RHINO RANGES NOW? Our black rhino population has grown from fewer than 350 in the 1980s to over 1000 today. This…

How many of these iconic places have you been to with Kenya Airways? To fire your wanderlust, here are some of the most Instagrammable locations on our global network DUMBO | NEW YORK Where urban grit meets breathtaking skyline views, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is the perfect blend of history and creativity. Once a 19th-century shipping hub, this Brooklyn enclave now thrives with galleries, artisanal cafés and cobblestone streets that wind beneath steel bridges. Snap the iconic Manhattan Bridge from Pebble Beach or Washington Street, frame reflections along the East River and discover murals tucked in hidden alleyways. Weekend markets bring local crafts and fresh food, while the waterfront parks offer unobstructed views of Manhattan’s skyline at sunset. With its industrialchic charm and riverfront vistas, DUMBO embodies…

Guess where… These drummers and dancers are a vibrant symbol of this country’s culture; so much so, the group is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The country’s former capital – the city to which Kenya Airways flies – sits on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the world's second-largest freshwater lake. It is also home to Rusizi National Park, renowned for its high density of hippos and crocs. But which KQ destination is it? TURN TO PAGE 80 FOR THE ANSWER…

Kenya Airways has announced a new interline partnership agreement with WestJet, significantly enhancing connectivity across both carriers’ networks. The deal allows WestJet guests to seamlessly travel to Nairobi and beyond, with expanded access to 35 other destinations across Africa, through the Canadian airline’s extensive network of European and transborder connections. On the other side of the Atlantic, Kenya Airways guests benefit from single-stop access to Calgary, Halifax, St John’s and Toronto, feeding into 69 North American destinations. Julius Thairu, KQ’s chief commercial & customer officer, said: “We are excited about this interline partnership that allows us to provide our customers with more options for connectivity across the Atlantic and especially in Canada. Our goal of connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa remains a key component of…

Three places to visit Celebrating the destinations that Kenya Airways flies to… CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Join the party at the Cape Town Carnival, one of South Africa’s most vibrant celebrations. Held each March along the city’s Green Point Fan Walk, this dazzling street parade showcases the Mother City’s diversity and creativity through larger-than-life floats, flamboyant costumes, infectious music and energetic dancing. Revel in the colours and rhythms as thousands of performers from local communities celebrate unity, culture and self-expression. HOW MANY? The UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Cape Floral Region, of which Cape Town is a part, is home to some 9000 plant species – 70% of which are endemic. ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA Timkat, celebrated on 19 January across Ethiopia, is a vibrant Orthodox Christian festival commemorating…

DE Africa’s platform hosts over five petabytes of data, spanning three decades of satellite imagery and updated almost in real-time. With Amazon Web Services in Cape Town powering the system, users – from policymakers in Ghana to space agencies in Rwanda – can map coastlines, track floods and monitor natural resources with unprecedented precision. Almost 30,000 users access the visualisation interface, while thousands more explore its learning programmes or test projects in the virtual environment. The results are tangible. In Ghana, DE Africa’s coastal erosion maps revealed how saltwater intrusion threatens groundwater, sanitation and food security in the Keta Lagoon and Cape Coast. The data informs sea-defence projects and near real-time monitoring systems, giving communities a fighting chance against environmental pressures. In Kogi State, Nigeria, satellite insights help model flood…

The smoke rises first, curling into the evening air, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of nyama choma on the grill. But this isn’t a bustling Nairobi street corner. This is the pool terrace of the Nairobi Serena Hotel, where every Friday evening from 6 to 10pm, the city’s beloved street food gets a glamorous makeover at Rhythm & Roast. It’s an unlikely marriage of worlds: mshikaki, githeri, mutura and roasted maize served in copper pots and paired with select wines, all in the elegant hush of a five-star hotel. Street food, but with starched napkins and mellow music. A CITY IN LOVE WITH ITS FOOD Nairobi has always eaten well on the move. From the smoky mutura stands that light up at dusk to vendors frying mandazi in alleyways,…

Ever experienced a child having a meltdown in an airport? Fullblown waterworks, snorts, scream-crying, the works. If you’ve watched Viola Davis in Fences, you know the level of intensity I’m talking about. These little bundles of joy (and occasional terror) can bring out your worst fears as a parent. All the YouTube tips on flying calmly with kids? Out the window. You had a plan. You did everything right, or so you thought. Still, there you are, negotiating with a mini-you while trying not to lose your cool. Gentle parenting? It’s escaping your body and your inner Jackie Chan is threatening to take over. The stern look your parents used to master? Doesn’t work. Your child stares back, confused as to why your eye is twitching. You’re boarding in ten…

WHY NAIROBI BELONGS ON EVERY RUNNER'S ITINERARY At sunrise in Nairobi, the city hums with a different kind of rhythm. It’s not the rush-hour traffic or the call of matatus — it’s the steady, collective pulse of feet hitting pavement, trails and forest paths. Long known for producing record-breaking athletes, Kenya is now quietly emerging as a destination for everyday runners — from jet-lagged tourists craving a jog in nature, to digital nomads seeking a healthy work-life rhythm, to locals embracing wellness as a way of life. Nairobi is experiencing a homegrown running culture that goes far beyond elite sport. Running is becoming a joyful, community-led way to move, connect and reclaim the city — whether you’re a casual jogger, a marathon hopeful, or a visitor looking for a fresh…

In a distant land, a Kenyan family makes its way to an international airport for a flight back home. They tear up at the sight of a Kenya Airways plane with the unmistakable national colours on the tail. Inside the plane, a jingle plays. It is the airline’s theme music, composed in 1993 by Mathew Peevers and encompasses Kenya’s traditional musical instruments like the nyatiti (plucked bowl yoke lute) and a flute, both from the Luo community, and the African drum. Maasai chants and chirping birds combine to make the music a truly authentic Kenyan experience. The jingle will play again as the plane lands at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. “This is the spirit of Kenya,” said Allan Kilavuka, Kenya Airways group managing director and CEO, in a…

Despite a temporary dip in performance for the first half of the year, the return of grounded aircraft, strong travel demand and ongoing capital raising has set Kenya Airways on a steady recovery course. This positive outlook came as KQ announced its half-year financial results for 2025 – a period marked by operational and financial challenges, including the temporary grounding of three Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft – representing 33% of the airline’s wide-body fleet – because of global supply chain disruptions and engine availability constraints. The six months to 30 June 2025 saw revenue decline by 19% to Ksh75bn (US$581m), compared to Ksh91bn in the same period last year, reflecting a 14% drop in passenger numbers and a 16% reduction in available seat capacity. This led to a loss after…

When numbers meet compassion, they create stories that change lives. At Kenya Airways, the Finance department has been proving just that through its dedicated partnership with Mama Elizabeth’s Children’s Home, a haven for orphans and vulnerable children in Korogocho, Nairobi. What began in 2022 as a simple act of giving – clothes, shoes, food, stationery – soon grew into something bigger: an organised, purposeful finance social investment project that makes education and dignity possible for children who would otherwise have little hope. Guided by then chief financial officer Hellen Mwariri, the department turned its expertise in mobilising resources into a lifeline for the home. In January 2023, the Finance team raised Ksh100,000 to cover term 1 school fees for four girls from Mama Elizabeth’s, alongside uniforms and learning materials. Further…

Over the past decade, contemporary African art has surged onto the world stage, captivating critics, collectors and cultural institutions from New York to Shanghai. Museums which once overlooked the continent are now showcasing its bold, innovative voices. Despite the small size of its art scene, Zimbabwe is now one of the frontrunners of this movement. Harare has quietly become one of Africa’s most exciting art hubs, thanks to a new generation of artists who blend tradition with cutting-edge expression. Leading this charge is First Floor Gallery Harare (FFGH), a dynamic space that has nurtured Zimbabwe’s artistic talent since 2009. Harare offers a rich, immersive cultural experience where art isn’t just observed but felt, discussed and celebrated. And with FFGH’s exclusive Art Tours, visitors can dive deep into this vibrant world,…

Indulge in a remarkable stay at Safari Park Hotel, where exquisite accommodation awaits you. Their lavish rooms redefine global standards in size and amenities with 203 guest rooms across nine blocks, catering to your specific needs. Choose from 167 Deluxe rooms, 21 Junior suites, 8 Business suites, 6 Executive suites, and a Presidential suite. Enjoy the luxury of private balconies, front and rear, offering breathtaking views of the beautifully manicured gardens, water features and birds chirping. The hotel also features serviced apartments. CULINARY ADVENTURE Prepare for an extraordinary dining experience at Safari Park Hotel. • Chiyo: immerse yourself in Japanese and Korean cuisine, from sushi to teppanyaki, expertly crafted at your table. • Nyama Choma Ranch: enjoy succulent barbecued meats, traditional Kenyan steak and a vibrant stage show by Safari…

In a significant development for the East and Southern Africa region, Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation and enhancing connectivity. The MoU sets the foundation for increased collaboration between the two airlines, focusing on regional and international partnerships that promote cooperation over competition. Both airlines will utilise their resources and internal capabilities to ensure sustainable and cost-effective growth. Areas of collaboration outlined in the MoU include the exchange of knowledge, expertise and best practices in various domains, such as human resource training, engineering, aircraft maintenance, technical cooperation, cargo operations, maintenance and repair operations, safety and innovation, reflecting the shared ambition of both carriers to provide more unified travel options and efficiencies of air services within the region. During the…

In July, Kenya Airways’ group MD and CEO Allan Kilavuka hosted the High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone to Kenya HE Lt Gen (Rtd) Peter K Lavahun during a courtesy visit to KQ’s headquarters in Nairobi. The visit highlighted the longstanding and fruitful partnership between the airline and the West African country, a relationship that spans over two decades. The High Commissioner highlighted KQ’s reliability and service excellence, reaffirming the airline’s position as a trusted aviation partner to Sierra Leone. Discussions also touched on the broader value of KQ’s operations across West Africa, with particular emphasis on the important role Freetown plays in enhancing regional connectivity. Kilavuka reiterated the airline's commitment to strengthening its presence in the region. He emphasised KQ’s focus on expanding access, enhancing customer experience…

Human trafficking is a devastating and often invisible crime that violates human rights and affects millions of people worldwide. Many victims are transported by air during recruitment and exploitation. As a global airline alliance that connects millions of passengers, SkyTeam recognises its responsibility and opportunity to act. Our member airlines are unanimously committed to helping fight this crime. On 1 June 2025, SkyTeam and its members signed a joint Anti-Human Trafficking Declaration, becoming the first airline alliance to launch a coordinated initiative to address this issue. The Declaration formalises our shared commitment to action, guided by five core values: Ethical Responsibility, Empathy and Respect, Awareness and Education, Collaboration and Partnerships, and Survivor Support. “This isn’t just a pledge -it’s a platform for change,” said SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux. “Human trafficking…