Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Hosts Indian High Commissioner, Proposes Direct Flights to Boost Trade

By Feddy Madebe

MOMBASA, KENYA — Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir received India’s High Commissioner to Kenya Dr. Adarsh Swaika Thursday for discussions centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation between the coastal county and the South Asian nation.

The courtesy visit to the governor’s Mombasa office explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration, with particular emphasis on the substantial Indian community residing and conducting business within the port city.

Direct Flight Connectivity Proposed

Governor Abdulswamad committed to pursuing the establishment of direct air routes linking Mombasa with major Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai, citing improved connectivity as essential for unlocking commercial potential between the two regions.

“Our discussions focused on deepening cooperation, recognising the significant Indian community that lives and works productively in Mombasa. To strengthen trade and tourism, I committed to pursue direct flights between Delhi/Mumbai and Mombasa to improve connectivity and unlock new commercial opportunities,” the governor stated following the meeting.

The proposed direct flight routes aim to facilitate business travel, boost tourism arrivals, and enhance trade linkages between Mombasa County and India’s commercial centers.

Diplomatic Engagement

High Commissioner Swaika was accompanied by Rama Kant Kumar, India’s Assistant High Commissioner based in Mombasa, during the official engagement at the county government headquarters.

The meeting addressed various aspects of the relationship between Mombasa and India, acknowledging the historical and contemporary contributions of the Indian diaspora to the coastal city’s economic landscape.

Indian Community Presence

Mombasa hosts a significant population of Kenyan citizens of Indian descent, many of whom operate businesses spanning manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and service sectors throughout the county.

The Indian community has maintained a presence along Kenya’s coast for generations, contributing to commercial activity, cultural diversity, and economic development within the region.

Trade and Tourism Potential

Direct air connectivity between Mombasa and Indian metropolitan areas could substantially impact both tourism and commercial exchange, offering alternatives to current routing through Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Enhanced flight accessibility would reduce travel time for business executives, tourists, and diaspora community members traveling between the destinations, potentially stimulating increased economic activity.

The tourism sector stands to benefit particularly from improved access, as Indian travelers represent a growing segment of international visitors to Kenya’s coastal attractions.

Bilateral Relations

Kenya and India maintain robust diplomatic and economic relations, with Indian investment featuring prominently across multiple sectors of Kenya’s economy, including manufacturing, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.

The engagement reflects broader efforts by county governments to pursue international partnerships that advance local economic development objectives and attract foreign investment.

Governor Abdulswamad’s administration has emphasized economic diversification and private sector growth as central pillars of Mombasa County’s development strategy, with international cooperation forming a key component of this approach.

The proposed direct flight initiative would require coordination with national aviation authorities, airline carriers, and Indian counterparts to assess commercial viability and regulatory requirements.

Mombasa’s Moi International Airport currently serves as Kenya’s second-busiest aviation facility, handling domestic and international passenger traffic while supporting the coastal region’s tourism industry.

Implementation of direct India-Mombasa routes would position the coastal city as an alternative entry point for Indian visitors and business travelers, complementing existing connections through the capital.