Kenya has embarked on a review of applications by airlines seeking to access to the country’s airspace according to the transport ministry.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport says the plan which targets to regularize Kenya’s air market access through new guidelines will help advance national interests in safety, security, and overall economic growth through global best practice.
“As Kenya continues to honor existing Air Service Agreements which facilitate cross-border air transport, it is important to ensure that all market access applications are evaluated systematically and consultatively and address potential areas of unfair treatment including airport access, slot allocations, fund repatriation, key staff employment, advertising rights, and taxation.” said Davis Chirchir, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary.
According to Chirchir, the new guidelines are designed to ensure fair and balanced opportunities for foreign airlines while safeguarding the country’s strategic interests.
Already, a Technical Evaluation Committee chaired by Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika commenced a consultative, structured process for assessing all external airline market access applications which did not exist before with a view of supporting decisions that advance Kenya’s strategic national interests in aviation and related sectors.
“We have engaged over the last months key sectors including trade, agriculture, tourism, the private sector representation as well as the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCCA) to regulize our country’s air access and we are on track in dealing with all the current applications through this tool.” added CS Chirchir.
Mbaika said the process will ensure equity to all applicants and ensure mutual benefits as the country looks to build a robust air transport sector.
“By regularizing the market, Kenya not only protects its interests but also sends a strong signal to the global aviation community that the country is committed to fair, transparent, and globally recognized standards for all operators”, she said.
The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, has hailed the move to open Kenya’s air market access as of substantial benefits to tourism, including higher visitor arrivals and increased revenue and job opportunities for the local businesses.
“Air transport enhances connectivity locally, regionally and globally, making it easier and more affordable for tourists to reach Kenyan destinations. The move to regularize air market access is a major boost to our 5 million tourists by 2027 target. We will benefit immensely from the deep connection between air access and tourism,” she added.
Currently, Kenya’s aviation sector is estimated to be supporting 26,000 direct jobs, contributing $1.5 billion to the economy.
