The entire East African Community (EAC) is beginning to consider aviation in a new light as key players in the region continue to erect plans to boost activity in the sector; this could be driven exogenously by the uncertainties in the commodities market and the consequent need for developing viable alternatives – the so-called diversification of economies.
Shortly after Uganda unveiled its New two-decade Aviation Master Plan, the implementation of which involves the construction of four new airports and the expenditure of $400 million, Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has declared that aviation is the key to growing the tourism, international trade and commerce sectors. He disclosed this while speaking at an aviation workshop organized by national carrier Kenya Airways adding that efforts must be made to ensure Kenya takes the top spot in aviation on the continent.
According to him, the government is seriously considering repositioning the aviation industry by integrating infrastructure development under the transport sector in order to make it more accessible and affordable. Based on this, he directed the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Michael Kamau, to prepare a policy framework to guide discussions between the national and county governments and the private sector aimed at developing the aviation sector.
Mr Ruto added that the new terminals and facilities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have increased the capacity of Kenya’s flagship international airport threefold from 2.5 million passengers to 7.5 million passengers. He believes that the aviation sector must be competitive and connected to roads and railway infrastructure development to help lift the struggling tourism sector and boost international trade.
“All our policies and strategies must be geared towards making Kenya the best aviation-connected country in Africa. All our policies and strategies must be geared towards making Kenya the best aviation connected country in Africa. The aviation industry accounts for 10 percent of our gross domestic product. In Africa, the industry supported more than 7 million jobs in 2013” he said.
However, he emphasized that, while Kenya welcomed entry of more airlines and carriers, it will not “tolerate unfair competition” and compromise to safety and security as the government is keen on airlines that offer high quality service and pricing, with locals getting priority in jobs and procurement deals.
Concluding his remarks, he said that national and county governments must partner in improving aviation infrastructure to ensure that airports are integrated with the wider transport system through improved access by road and rail. Other facilities will be expanded and modernized at the Moi International airport Mombasa, Kisumu International airport, Malindi, Lamu and several other airports airstrips across the country with the aim of increasing accessibility to air transport services and facilitating growth.
By Emmanuel Iruobe