Kenya Introduces New Framework to Streamline Air Access
Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport has unveiled a new regulatory framework to manage foreign airline market access more systematically and transparently. The initiative, announced on 27 September, aims to safeguard national interests around safety, security, and economic growth while aligning with international aviation standards. A newly formed Technical Evaluation Committee, led by the State Department of Aviation, will now oversee all new market access applications from foreign carriers.
The framework follows broad consultations with industry stakeholders, including the tourism, trade, and agriculture sectors. The government emphasises that a structured and fair approach could drive increased air connectivity, tourism arrivals, and exports. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano noted the development as a boost towards meeting the nation's goal of attracting five million tourists by 2027. Kenya’s aviation sector currently contributes around US$1.5 billion to GDP and supports over 26,000 direct jobs, underpinning wider economic sectors such as tourism and agriculture.
Source: The Star
