This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
On July 20, 2020, the government announced a Sh53.7 billion stimulus programme to jump-start the economy, with a Sh1.5 billion allocation to support horticulture producers.
However, the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC) has now proposed that the stimulus fund be given to Kenya Airways (KQ) as a subsidy to help reduce high freight charges.
According to Ojepat Okisegere, CEO of FPC, the current freight charges make Kenya's products expensive and uncompetitive at the international market.
Freight charges have been high since the Covid-19 outbreak, which saw several airlines stop their operations in Nairobi.
JKIA has witnessed a return of cargo flights since May, with about 12 flights now operating, up from three in March.
Some of the airlines flying to Nairobi include Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirate Cargo, Lufthansa, Martinair, Etihad, British Airways, and KLM among others.
