Jambojet
A Kenyan low-cost airline operating domestic and regional flights with an all-turboprop fleet, primarily from Nairobi.
About Jambojet
Jambojet is a Kenyan low-cost airline founded in 2013 and launched commercially in 2014. It is a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, the country’s flag carrier, but operates under its own brand and business model. The airline was established to provide simpler, lower-cost air travel within Kenya and has subsequently added selected regional services.
The airline’s principal base is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, with Mombasa serving as another important operating point. Its network concentrates on Kenyan cities and coastal leisure destinations, including Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Lamu and Diani Beach. Jambojet has also operated international services to nearby East African destinations, including Zanzibar, while schedules and individual routes can change according to demand.
Jambojet operates De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400 turboprop aircraft, commonly known as the Q400. This aircraft type is well suited to relatively short sectors and airports with limited infrastructure. Flights use a single economy-class cabin rather than separate business and economy sections. The product is deliberately streamlined, with optional extras and fare conditions varying by ticket category.
Jambojet is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. Although its parent company Kenya Airways belongs to SkyTeam, travellers should not assume that alliance privileges, through-ticketing or frequent-flyer benefits apply automatically on Jambojet services. The airline does not offer a conventional global frequent-flyer programme comparable with those of major full-service carriers.
A key strength is Jambojet’s coverage of Kenyan domestic routes that can substantially reduce journey times compared with road travel. Its Q400 fleet is also practical for short regional sectors. The trade-off is a more basic low-cost experience: baggage, changes and other extras require close attention, while turboprop flights may feel noisier than jet services and can be affected by operational conditions at smaller airports.
Good to know
Flying with Jambojet — what to expect
Check Fare Conditions
Jambojet sells several fare options with different baggage and change conditions. Review what is included before paying, as adding services later may increase the total cost.
Turboprop Aircraft
The airline uses Dash 8-400 turboprops rather than jets. These aircraft are efficient on short routes but may feel noisier, particularly around the propeller area.
Baggage Limits
Cabin and checked-baggage entitlements depend on the fare purchased. Confirm the current weight, size and item limits on Jambojet’s website before travelling.
Arrive Early
Allow sufficient time for check-in and security, especially at Nairobi and Mombasa during busy periods. Smaller coastal airports may have limited facilities despite shorter walking distances.
Separate Airline Rules
Jambojet is owned by Kenya Airways but maintains separate fares and operating policies. Do not assume that Kenya Airways or SkyTeam benefits will be recognised unless your booking explicitly confirms them.
Seasonal Schedules
Frequencies to coastal and regional destinations can vary with demand and season. Check the operating days carefully before arranging hotels or onward transport.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Jambojet
Notable destinations on Jambojet's network.
JMNairobidirectJMMombasadirectJMKisumudirectJMEldoretdirectJMMalindidirectJMLamudirectJMDiani BeachdirectJMZanzibar CitydirectDestination list is indicative of Jambojet's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
Reviews of Jambojet
TripAdvisor · 2020–2023- 58
- 42
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What travellers flew
Counted from the 50 reviews below — a tally of the flights reviewed, with each chip carrying the average score those reviewers gave. Nothing here reads their prose or summarises what they said.
✓ marks a group averaging 7/10 or better, − one averaging 4/10 or worse, across at least three reviews.
Unable to obtain refund due to THEIR error
This airline is a scam. I was trying to book a ticket but kelt getting an error on the website. As I was travelling for business I had to make arrangements via an alternative carrier. However several minutes later I got a confirmation via email. I contacted… See more them within 10 minutes of receiving their email to ask them to cancel because of their error and was told that the ticket is non-refundable. It is completely unreasonable that I must be punished because their website does not function properly. I expect better in terms of technology and customer service in 2023.
See lessPosted June 2023 by WandaRah, Dar es Salaam
Very bad services
So Jambo Jet has a 4hr delay from MYD-NBO but they don't prefer to inform their clients. They only inform their clients 8minutes to departure. What happened to good customer service? What happened to communication? I ask myself.... Is it that they didn't know… See more about the delay or they don't care about their customers. I hate this airline.!
See lessPosted May 2023 by Jane Doe
Absolutely terrible service
Jambo Jet is never and will never be reliable. Flight delay is synonymous to them. And I doubt they will ever improve. If you’re looking for reliable service, use an alternative airline!!!!!!
Posted May 2023 by Jennifer N
Ms
Use another airline! Horrendous service and no communication of changes and delays. Show no respect for passengers time. Never again!
Posted April 2023 by Tee W
Flight delay
Had a bad experience traveling with Jambojet. The flight from Ukunda was delayed, we weren’t given reasons for the delay, some staff were talking about technical issues and some talking about the airstrip, no refreshments were served whilst we were waiting in… See more a hot airport, what’s even worse the air hostesses in the plane seemed frustrated. What happened to service with a smile!!
See lessPosted February 2023 by Samira J
Clean, comfortable easy way to travel. Well worth the extra expense
Slight delay on both outbound and return, however the flight was quick, the plane clean and the staff friendly! We met family who had taken the coach and we were infinitely grateful we flew.
Posted January 2023 by Laura t
Traveller reviews originally published on TripAdvisor, shown for reference — service standards may have changed since. Originfacts does not edit or verify individual reviews, and the sample reflects who chose to leave one.
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FAQ
Jambojet — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Jambojet primarily serves destinations within Kenya, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Malindi, Lamu and Diani Beach. It has also operated selected regional services, including flights to Zanzibar.
- The total varies as routes and seasonal schedules change. Travellers should consult Jambojet’s current timetable for the latest operating destinations.
- Jambojet permits limited cabin baggage, with the applicable weight, dimensions and number of items governed by its current policy and the fare purchased. Check the airline’s baggage page before departure because excess or oversized items may need to be checked for a fee.
- Jambojet’s longest scheduled sector can change as regional routes and domestic frequencies are adjusted. Check the current timetable, particularly for cross-country and international services, rather than relying on a permanently fixed longest route.
- Jambojet’s primary hub is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. Moi International Airport in Mombasa is also an important departure point for its domestic network.
- Fares are generally lowest when booked early and outside weekends, public holidays and peak coastal travel periods. Compare nearby dates and account for baggage and change fees when evaluating the final price.
- Originfacts compares live Jambojet fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi is Jambojet’s main departure airport. Moi International Airport in Mombasa is another major point in its network, particularly for coastal and cross-country services.