Currently, KLM, BA, Swiss Air, and Virgin Atlantic are the only European/Western carriers serving HKJK(NBO). The rest are carriers from the Middle East and Africa.
Other N. American/Euro carriers that fly into NBO:
Air France, Lufthansa, Monarch, MK Cargo, Cargolux, Martinair, Atlas, Southern, Kalitta, World, and other Euro and Asian (non-ME) charters I can't remember (Air Italy goes to Mombasa, as does other Euro charters).
In 2003, it was estimated that BA alone provided Kenyan Tourism about $2.2 million/day in revenue by bringing plane-loads of tourists from the UK, Europe and US.
There is a VERY large market for both PAX and cargo from US-Kenya, and DAL WILL cash in, if/when they start flying to NBO.
After the US Embassy bombings in 1998 and since Gulf War II, those numbers have decreased due to attacks on western expats.
I think that Western Expats are much safer in NBO than are local Nairobians.
In country flying is restricted from Lamu to Mandera to Moyale, (unless you are running miraa (khat)), major towns along or near the Somali and Ethiopian borders. Must have police permissions to operate there.
Yes, there is instability along the NE border, much like there is on our Southern border.
BTW, You can by an AK-47 (Chinese made) in Nairobi for $12. Nairobi is relatively safe in the day for wazungu (white people) if you know where you are going, but it is dangerous at night.
I never say anyone with a gun other than police/mil. I never saw anything for sale. My buddy in Lagos: His driver carries an AK-47 24/7, but, somehow, Lagos is safe for DAL and NBO is not. Another buddy told me about open arms bazaars. They are illegal in Kenya, and while no doubt there are illegal gun sales (like in the US), I didn't see or hear of any.
It is "Mzungu". I felt quite safe there, and was out at night, often way past my bedtime. Where I am now, in Togo, it is safer than NBO, but I strongly prefer NBO, as I felt reasonably safe there (how safe is LAX, ELP, LRD?), and the infrastructure is tons better than Togo.
Oh, and by the way, Emirates is starting direct flights here soon. Currently, the only way out is Air France and Royal Air Moroc. Once the airport is expanded, maybe DAL should look into coming here...
