The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged Kenya to invest in its infrastructure in order to unlock aviation benefits, the international body said at a recent IATA Regional Aviation Forum in Nairobi.
The East African nation was advised to focus on improving air transport infrastructure, implementing the Single African Air Transport Market, adopting innovative technology and improving safety for sustainable growth.
Muhammad Ali Albakri, IATA's Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, said air transport has been a major driver in Kenya’s economy, boosting tourism, attracting regional headquarters of multinational companies and fostering trade, logistics and foreign investment in the country.
In 2017, over 4.7 million passenger journeys were made to Kenya, with aviation and tourism representing $3.2 billion in GDP. The industry accounts for 4.6% of Kenya’s GDP and supports 410 000 jobs.
Referring to its latest study on the economic value of air transport and tourism to Kenya, IATA said that over the next two decades, the Kenyan market could more than double in size. The growth could result in an additional 11.3 million passenger journeys, more than 449 000 jobs, and an $11.3 billion boost to GDP by 2037.
