Transport Committee concludes review of National Aviation Policy

Transport Committee concludes review of National Aviation Policy

Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Bunge Towers, Nairobi 

The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. George Kariuki (Ndia), today concluded its review of Sessional Paper No. 6 of 2024 on the National Aviation Policy.

 The policy aims to enhance aviation safety, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, regulatory efficiency, and Kenya’s competitiveness in global aviation.

During the sitting, Members of Parliament examined the performance of Kenya Airways (KQ), which has faced financial challenges since 2013.

 Lawmakers raised concerns over the airline’s declining market share, repeated government bailouts, and issues arising from its privatization.

The committee also discussed the Cabinet-approved Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Medium-Term Investment Plan. 

The airport, built in 1978 to serve 2.5 million passengers annually, requires major upgrades. The proposed plan includes the improvement of terminals, runways, taxiways, aprons, and other facilities to align with global aviation standards.

MPs revisited the 2019 proposal to nationalize Kenya Airways and establish a centralized Aviation Services Institute. They compared Kenya’s case with successful government-owned airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and RwandAir, which operate without government subsidies.

The committee further reviewed the legal framework of the aviation sector, including the Civil Aviation Act (2013), the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Act (2016), the Draft Civil Aviation Bill (2014), and various regulations enacted between 2018 and 2020. These laws are meant to align Kenya’s aviation standards with international best practices.

Stakeholders submitted views following a public call for memoranda published in print media on 14th November 2024. 

Contributors included the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Kenya Airways, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), and pilot Mr. Kennedy Mabura.

Appearing before the committee, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Hon. Davis Chirchir said the new aviation policy stems from a review of the 2012 Integrated National Transport Policy. He estimated that full modernization of JKIA will require about USD 1.5 billion by 2050.

In its written submission, Kenya Airways acknowledged industry challenges but expressed optimism about Kenya’s strategic location and economic growth. The airline highlighted its contribution to the economy, including 4.6% of GDP and over 410,000 jobs. 

It proposed recovery measures such as fleet modernization, enforcing the Fly Kenya Policy, and consolidating aviation assets under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV).

The Kenya Revenue Authority recommended using updated statistics and conducting a comparative tax analysis to assess the sector’s competitiveness. KRA also called for tax reforms, saying the current system discourages investment.

The Kenya Association of Air Operators welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the policy in June 2024. They emphasized the need for clear timelines, benchmarking tools, compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, and a strong monitoring and evaluation system.

Pilot Kennedy Mabura criticized KQ’s continued losses, citing poor leadership, inefficiencies, and weak customer service. He proposed management reforms, better operations, a standardized fleet leasing model, and targeted government support.

The committee made several key observations, including the urgent need to address policy and regulatory gaps that have slowed sector growth.

 Lawmakers also pointed to infrastructure limitations at JKIA and stressed that Kenya’s strategic location provides a strong opportunity to position the country as a regional aviation hub.

Following the review, the committee recommended that the House adopts Sessional Paper No. 6 of 2024. They advised that all aviation-related legislation be aligned with the National Aviation Policy.

Additionally, the committee proposed that the Ministry of Roads and Transport involve all stakeholders in implementing the policy. It also urged the Executive to enforce the Fly Kenya Policy to support the national carrier and protect jobs.

The committee further recommended that the government fast-tracks a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to accelerate JKIA expansion. 

They also called for a detailed implementation plan with clear short, medium, and long-term goals, supported by strong accountability measures.