Nairobi, Jan. 5 -- Kenyans face higher air ticket prices this year as most domestic carriers raise fares amid rising demand for air travel and a persistent shortage of aircraft that has pushed up leasing costs.

Off-peak fares on major domestic routes such as Nairobi-Mombasa, Nairobi-Kisumu and Nairobi-Eldoret are set to rise by up to Sh2,000 for a one-way ticket, according to bookings on leading airlines for months ahead.

The increases follow a surge in demand as more Kenyans favour air transport over other means, according to aviation experts, alongside increased State spending and economic expansion that has left more money in consumers' pockets.

"Demand has gone up and naturally, the only way to manage that is to raise prices. Load ...