From Vows to Vacations—What You Need to Know Before You Book

In Kenya, planning services are the heartbeat of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re organizing a wedding in Syokimau, hosting a birthday in Machakos, or coordinating travel for guests in Kisumu, verified planners and travel agents ensure every detail is dignified, timely, and stress-free. This guide breaks down real costs, service types, regional trends, and how to hire trusted professionals through Balozy.

💰 National Snapshot: Planning & Travel Costs in Kenya (2025)

Service Type Cost Range (KES) Notes
Full Wedding Planning Package 299,000–799,000+ Includes venue, decor, coordination
Party Planning (birthday, shower) 20,000–150,000+ Includes setup, decor, entertainment
Travel Agent Service Fee 1,000–10,000 Ticketing, itinerary, visa support
Honeymoon Package (local) 50,000–200,000+ Includes transport, accommodation
Honeymoon Package (international) 150,000–500,000+ Includes flights, hotel, excursions
Event Decor (wedding/party) 30,000–300,000+ Thematic styling, florals, lighting
Catering Coordination 20,000–150,000+ Includes menu planning, vendor booking
MC & Entertainment Booking 10,000–100,000+ DJs, comedians, cultural acts
Guest Transport Logistics 5,000–50,000+ Includes vans, airport pickups
Wedding Photography & Videography 30,000–150,000+ Includes drone, edits, albums
Travel Insurance (per trip) 2,000–10,000 Optional for international travel
On-the-Day Event Management 10,000–50,000 Includes timeline, vendor coordination
Bridal Styling & Glam Coordination 10,000–50,000+ Includes makeup, hair, dressing
Invitation Design & Printing 5,000–30,000 Digital or physical cards
Bachelor/Bachelorette Planning 20,000–100,000+ Includes venue, transport, entertainment

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s planning powerhouse—home to luxury weddings, corporate events, and travel hubs.

  • Full Wedding Planning (e.g., Karen, Westlands):
    • KSh 499,000–799,000+
    • Includes venue, decor, MC, catering
  • Travel Agent Services:
    • KSh 2,000–10,000
    • Includes ticketing, visa support, itinerary
  • Party Planning (birthday, shower):
    • KSh 30,000–150,000+
    • Includes decor, entertainment, food

Balozy Tip: Nairobi planners often offer WhatsApp-based coordination—perfect for busy couples and corporate teams.

2. Machakos

Affordable and expressive—Machakos planners serve estates, schools, and short-stay hosts.

  • Wedding Decor & Setup (e.g., Syokimau, Mlolongo):
    • KSh 30,000–200,000+
    • Includes tents, chairs, florals, lighting
  • Birthday Party Planning:
    • KSh 20,000–80,000
    • Includes bouncy castles, balloon decor, cake
  • Guest Transport Logistics:
    • KSh 5,000–30,000
    • Includes vans, boda coordination, airport pickups

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos planners offer estate-wide packages—great for gated communities and short-stay hosts.

3. Mombasa

Coastal coordination blends tropical elegance, beach venues, and Swahili hospitality.

  • Honeymoon Packages (local):
    • KSh 50,000–200,000+
    • Includes beach resort, excursions, meals
  • Wedding Planning (e.g., Nyali, Bamburi):
    • KSh 299,000–599,000+
    • Includes coastal decor, seafood catering, transport
  • Bachelor/Bachelorette Planning:
    • KSh 30,000–100,000+
    • Includes beach party, boat ride, DJ

Balozy Tip: Ask for coastal-experienced planners—humidity affects decor, transport, and glam setups.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side events focus on cultural pride, natural beauty, and guest-ready logistics.

  • Wedding Planning (e.g., Milimani, Manyatta):
    • KSh 299,000–499,000+
    • Includes venue, decor, MC, catering
  • Travel Agent Services:
    • KSh 1,000–5,000
    • Includes ticketing, itinerary, visa support
  • Cultural Entertainment Booking:
    • KSh 10,000–50,000
    • Includes dancers, drummers, MC

Balozy Tip: Ask for Luo-inspired decor and entertainment—perfect for legacy weddings and cultural parties.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious compounds and farm-friendly event setups.

  • Party Planning (e.g., Elgon View):
    • KSh 20,000–100,000+
    • Includes tents, chairs, decor, catering
  • Wedding Photography & Videography:
    • KSh 30,000–100,000+
    • Includes drone, edits, albums
  • Travel Coordination (group):
    • KSh 10,000–50,000+
    • Includes vans, itinerary, fuel

Balozy Tip: Eldoret planners often offer generator-friendly setups—ask for rural packages and travel rates.

📋 What’s Included in Planning & Travel Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Venue Selection Includes scouting and booking
Decor & Styling Thematic setup, florals, lighting
Catering Coordination Menu planning, vendor booking
Entertainment Booking DJs, MCs, cultural acts
Travel Itinerary Flights, hotels, excursions
Visa & Passport Support ✅/❌ Optional for international travel
On-the-Day Management Timeline, vendor coordination
WhatsApp Booking Available for most Balozy pros
Safety & Hygiene Verified planners only
Budget Planning ✅/❌ Optional for large events
Guest Transport Vans, boda, airport pickups
Invitation Design ✅/❌ Optional add-on
Honeymoon Coordination Local or international packages

Balozy Tip: Always confirm scope, payment terms, and cancellation policy before booking.

🧠 What Affects Planning Costs?

✅ Guest Count

  • More guests = more decor, food, transport, and staff

✅ Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher
  • Transport to rural areas adds KSh 500–2,000

✅ Occasion Type

  • Weddings and corporate events cost more than casual parties

✅ Travel Scope

  • International travel requires visa support, insurance, and itinerary planning

✅ Vendor Quality

  • Premium decor, catering, and entertainment raise costs

💡 Smart Ways to Save on Planning & Travel

  1. Use Verified Balozy Planners: Compare ratings, portfolios, and package options
  2. Bundle Services: Combine decor, catering, and transport for discounts
  3. Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your town reduces travel fees
  4. Book Early: Wedding and holiday slots fill up fast
  5. Ask for WhatsApp Estimates: Avoid surprises with clear scope and pricing

📲 How to Hire a Planner or Travel Agent Using the Balozy App

Step-by-Step:

  1. Download the Balozy App
  2. Tap “Find a Service”
    • Select “Event Planning,” “Wedding Planner,” or “Travel Agent”
    • Or search keywords like “honeymoon,” “birthday party,” “MC,” or “airport pickup”
  3. Filter by Location & Occasion
    • Choose your area and event type (wedding, birthday, corporate)
  4. Browse Verified Profiles
    • View ratings, portfolios, WhatsApp contacts, and