A Unified Stakeholder Collaboration to drive Growth in Africa's Aviation Sector

Therefore, the timing of this conference was particularly significant. A newly released "Value of Air Transport To Kenya" study by IATA highlighted the immense power of a thriving aviation sector for Kenya, revealing its contribution of a substantial Ksh425 billion (USD 3.3 billion) to our nation's GDP and supporting 460,000 jobs, 5,700 of which are directly employed by airlines. In reference to this report's findings, IATA Director General Willie Walsh emphasized the significant economic contribution of Kenya's aviation and highlighted the potential for substantial growth with the right foundations.

Against this backdrop, as Kenya’s national carrier, we understand firsthand the significance of our skies to our economy and our people. Echoing this sentiment, our CEO Allan Kilavuka noted "This insightful report from IATA underscores the immense value that aviation brings to Kenya's economy and resonates deeply with our aspirations for the future. Hosting the IATA Ground Handling Conference here in Nairobi provides a vital platform for us to collaboratively tackle the challenges and opportunities highlighted.”

While aviation currently contributes significantly to Kenya's GDP at 3.2%, including our own substantial part at 2.5%, we firmly believe that by focusing on strategic infrastructure development, investing in our workforce and enhancing efficiency on the ground, we can unlock even greater economic benefits for Kenya and the wider African region.

Moreover, we are incredibly proud to have obtained the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification for our Nairobi hub and to be recognized as an IATA-certified training center. Compliance with global operational standards, alongside investment in the skills and development of our people, and indeed the broader aviation workforce in Africa, is a fundamental priority for us. Through the provision of quality training and the implementation of robust safety management systems, we are laying the foundation for a safer, more innovative, and more sustainable future for African aviation.

Elaborating on the need for standardization and safety, John Nalianya, Head of Ground Operations at Kenya Airways, stressed on the airline's commitment to prioritizing safety on the ground. "At Kenya Airways, we firmly believe that safety is not just a procedure but a culture that intertwines every aspect of our ground operations. This conference provides a platform for us to share best practices, learn from our peers, and collectively elevate ground handling safety standards across the African continent and globally," stated Nalianya.

This spirit of collaboration is central to our approach. On this, our MD and CEO Mr. Kilavuka articulated, "The fragmentation within the aviation ecosystem, particularly between airports and airlines, is an area we must address collectively. At Kenya Airways, we are dedicated to working more closely with our airport partners to build the necessary infrastructure and amenities that will ultimately enhance the experience for every passenger flying in and out of Africa."

In our ongoing efforts to promote industry growth and collaboration, we have also partnered with IATA to Pilot the New Integrated Sustainability Program (ISP) ahead of its launch in October 2025. This initiative offers a practical, actionable framework for airlines, airports, and ground service providers to identify risks, seize improvement opportunities, and benchmark their progress against global best practices. Our participation in the ISP pilot underscores our commitment to drive transformation and set high standards for sustainability across the region and beyond.

Beyond hosting this year’s conference, we recognize that we are active participants and passionate advocates for a unified approach that will elevate African aviation to new heights. By working together with other airlines, airports, governments, and training institutions, we can build upon the strong economic base highlighted by IATA and unlock the immense potential that lies within our skies.