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
- Use Verified Balozy Planners: Compare ratings, portfolios, and package options
- Bundle Services: Combine decor, catering, and transport for discounts
- Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your town reduces travel fees
- Book Early: Wedding and holiday slots fill up fast
- 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:
- Download the Balozy App
- Tap “Find a Service”
- Select “Event Planning,” “Wedding Planner,” or “Travel Agent”
- Or search keywords like “honeymoon,” “birthday party,” “MC,” or “airport pickup”
- Filter by Location & Occasion
- Choose your area and event type (wedding, birthday, corporate)
- Browse Verified Profiles
- View ratings, portfolios, WhatsApp contacts, and