This archive report was first published on 29 September 2021.
On September 30, 2021, Parliament gave its nod to a Cabinet decision to amend the air services agreement between Kenya and America, paving the way for Kenya Airways to expand its route network beyond New York.
Kenya Airways currently operates scheduled passenger air services between Nairobi and New York, but the revised agreement will allow the airline to access more US routes and the American carriers to access the Kenyan market.
The agreement, signed on February 5, 2020, proposes to revise an earlier deal inked in Washington DC on June 8, 2008. It will also enable national airlines like Kenya Airways to access US routes and American carriers to access the Kenyan market.
Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia told MPs that no US airline is currently flying into Kenya, but ratification of the agreement will allow the Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) of the US to establish a base in Kenya and start cargo operations.
According to a memo by Mr. Macharia, ratification of the agreement will enhance trade and commerce, tourism, market access, and connectivity between the two countries.
The National Assembly's Transport committee also recommended the ratification of the treaty, citing its potential to open up immense opportunities for Kenyans and create job opportunities.
