Kenya Association of Air Operators

We are committed to our collective responsibility to work hard, under the guidance of H.E President William Ruto, to ensure better delivery of government services for the benefit of the people of Kenya. I'm grateful to the Cabinet for approving the National Aviation Policy, which is set to revitalise our air transport sector by enhancing connectivity locally and internationally. The Cabinet has also approved the JKIA Medium Term Investment Plan that includes the upgrade of the passenger terminal, runway, taxiway, apron and airside facilities in keeping with the global aviation trends.

The Government is committed to streamlining the transport sector to achieve its full potential and contribute more to national development. Today, I met the Kenya Association of Air Operators and assured them of my Ministry’s commitment to reforming the sector. I thanked them for their various proposals that will enrich our reforms. Key to the reforms is an aviation policy, a master plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Wilson Airport, and an Airstrip Fund for maintaining airfields across the country. 1/2

The launch of the new route, which is coming a few days after Kenya Airways resumed flights to Eldoret, shows that our air transport is blossoming. We shall continue creating an enabling environment for airlines to expand their routes. It's worth noting that this is not just a new route but an affordable transport option. To spur growth in the local aviation sector, lure more aviation businesses to Kenya and create jobs, the Government last year exempted importers of aircraft parts from paying Valued Added Tax. Another way to bolster aviation businesses is to create a customs union in the East African Community so that airlines such as Skyward Express not only open new routes in Kenya but also in the region. We are, therefore, working with our colleagues in the EAC to create such a union, which will make it easier for member countries to trade freely with each other by reducing administrative and financial burdens on companies. Under our open skies policy we are also facilitating more foreign airlines to fly into Kenya while ensuring reciprocity from their countries. We are, however, balancing this with a mechanism to protect local businesses. 2/2