This archive report was first published on 24 July 2019.
Published on July 24, 2019, the National Assembly's decision to nationalise Kenya Airways has been welcomed by the airline's chairman, Michael Joseph.
According to Joseph, nationalisation is necessary for Kenya Airways to compete on a level playing field with state-run carriers like Ethiopian Airlines, which are profitable.
Joseph's comments come after the National Assembly Transport Committee rejected a proposal by Kenya Airways to take over the running of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, instead recommending nationalisation.
With the majority of lawmakers voting in favour of the report, the government will now draw up an implementation plan with clear timelines.
Kenya Airways has been struggling to return to profitability and growth, with a failed expansion drive and a slump in air travel forcing it to restructure $2 billion of debt in 2017.
