“Why Is Kenya So Expensive?” Morara Kebaso Sparks Debate on Cost of Living

Political activist and lawyer Morara Kebaso has sparked debate online by directly questioning why the cost of living including flights, hotels, and loans in Kenya is so much higher compared to countries like China.

In a viral social media post, Morara emphasised that Kenyans consistently pay more for regional flights and local services than people travelling much farther to places like China, raising fundamental questions about Kenya’s cost structure.

“Some things will take me forever to understand. Why does a 1 and a half hour flight from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam cost KSh 40,000 to KSh 50,000 yet a 24-hour flight from Nairobi to China is KSh 75,000?” he wrote.

Morara also questioned the cost of accommodation in Kenya, noting that some four-star hotels charge around KSh 20,000 per night, while similar hotels in China cost nearly a quarter of that amount.

He further criticised Kenya’s lending environment, arguing that expensive loans make it difficult for local businesses to compete internationally.

“Why do borrowers in Kenya pay an interest rate of 18% to 22% for loans, yet in China, the interest rate is 3%? How will a Kenyan company borrowing to expand manufacturing technology compete with a Chinese company borrowing one billion dollars at 3%?” he posed.

Why Flights Within Africa Are Expensive

Morara’s remarks touched on a concern that has repeatedly been raised by travellers across Africa.

According to the International Air Transport Association, African airlines face high operational costs due to taxes, airport charges, limited competition and expensive aviation fuel.

Unlike major international routes to destinations such as China or Dubai, regional African routes often have fewer flights and fewer passengers. Airlines, therefore, spread costs across a smaller number of travellers, making tickets more expensive.

Some social media users also pointed to overflight permits, airport taxes and fuel expenses as major contributors.

One commenter claimed:

“It costs around KSh 120,000 to fuel a small plane to Tanzania and back. Overflight permits, taxes and other charges by Tanzania will cost you KSh 200,000.”

Others argued that international routes benefit from intense competition between many airlines, helping lower ticket prices.

“Think of it like this… 100 planes going to China every hour means lower prices due to competition. Three flights to Dar es Salaam means higher ticket prices,” one user explained.