The National Assembly is set to debate a proposed law that could direct part of the air passenger service charge to the Kenya Meteorological Department, potentially boosting its role in aviation safety and weather monitoring.

The Air Passenger Service Charge (Amendment) Bill, 2025, tabled by Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, seeks to expand the list of agencies receiving the levy to include the weather department.

Currently, the proceeds from the fee paid by travellers on domestic and international flights are split among the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Tourism Promotion Fund.

According to the Bill, “all proceeds of the charge (passenger service) shall be apportioned in a manner as the Cabinet Secretary (Transport) may by notice in the Kenya Gazette, specify.”

The changes would see the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority receive a portion to enhance weather-related aviation services.

At present, passengers pay Sh600 for local flights and $50 (about Sh6,400) for international flights as the service charge. Proceeds from international flights are shared with KAA taking 60 per cent, KCAA 20 per cent and the Tourism Promotion Fund 20 per cent.

For domestic flights, the sharing ratio is 50 per cent, 30 per cent and 20 per cent respectively, as per an order issued on December 31, 2022.

Legislators have previously raised concerns over a lack of transparency in how the funds are managed and have called for full disclosure of amounts collected.

The existing law already allows the Transport Cabinet Secretary to vary the allocation ratios among the three current beneficiaries.

For years, the Meteorological Department has faced underfunding, which has limited its ability to provide timely and accurate forecasts.

Lawmakers believe additional funds could be used to acquire advanced monitoring equipment, cut flight delays and improve safety. The department has in the past appealed for a dedicated share of the passenger levy to support its operations.

The Bill also proposes that proceeds currently allocated to the Tourism Promotion Fund be redirected to the Tourism Fund. Ichung’wah’s memorandum states this will “limit duplication of roles, improve efficiency and enable the government to support the financing of tourism-related projects from a single source.”

The funds, he adds, would be vital for “projects that require strategic and sometimes blended funding approaches,” ensuring efficient use of public resources.

Members of the public have until next Wednesday to submit their views on the proposal in line with public participation requirements.

If adopted, the changes would give the Meteorological Department a steady revenue stream while streamlining tourism development funding.