Kenya has called for stronger regional integration and accelerated modernization of aviation infrastructure as it hosts the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Nairobi.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, officially opened the two-day summit at the Sarit Expo Centre, bringing together aviation leaders, policymakers, regulators and industry players from Africa and beyond.
Hosted by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the summit is being held under the theme, “Breaking the Mould: Finding Solutions to the Key Challenges Hindering Africa’s Aviation Industry.”
Mudavadi said aviation remains a critical driver of economic growth, trade, tourism, investment and regional integration, but warned that redundant regulatory and structural barriers continue to limit intra-African air connectivity.
He said the reliance on transit routes through destinations outside Africa increases the cost of air travel and restricts the movement of people and goods across the continent.
“Aviation is not just a means of transport. It is an enabler of trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance and cultural exchange,” Mudavadi said.
He urged African countries to accelerate implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), one of the flagship initiatives under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to unlock the continent’s aviation potential.
Mudavadi also called for greater involvement of national parliaments in aviation reforms, particularly efforts to advance open-skies policies.
He said industry stakeholders should engage lawmakers more actively to build support for reforms aimed at liberalizing air transport and strengthening connectivity between African countries.
“In Kenya, for instance, our constitutional framework is such that the role of entities like Parliament has become extremely pivotal in opening up key policy direction,” he said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary said Kenya remains committed to upgrading its aviation infrastructure and regulatory systems, highlighting investments in modern air traffic management systems, digital aviation technologies and safety capabilities.
He cited the planned upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to global standards as a priority, saying the project would help the country cope with growing passenger and air cargo volumes.
He added that improvements to regional airports and aerodromes would support domestic tourism, agricultural exports and enterprise development.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said the government was working to create an enabling environment for a safe, efficient, sustainable and competitive aviation industry.
“Our mandate is to create an enabling environment in which aviation can grow safely, efficiently, sustainably and competitively,” Mbaika said.
She said the government’s agenda includes infrastructure development, improved connectivity, increased investment, human capital development and innovation, alongside responsive regulatory and policy frameworks.
Mbaika said Kenya aims to retain its position as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs while strengthening its role as a major air cargo centre.
She added that the establishment of a dedicated State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development reflects the government’s recognition of the sector’s growing importance amid rising cargo demand, emerging technologies and new air mobility solutions.
KCAA Board Chairman, Brown Ondego said Kenya’s long history in civil aviation provides a strong foundation for the country’s ambition to promote greater regional connectivity.
He said improved links between African cities and countries would create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and the movement of people and goods.
Ondego said KCAA was proud to co-host the summit, which provides an opportunity for stakeholders to develop partnerships and translate discussions into practical actions for the continent’s aviation sector.
The summit, which runs through September 10, is expected to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including the development of sustainable aviation fuels, digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in air traffic management, human capital development and innovative financing.
Stakeholders are also expected to explore measures for building a more resilient, competitive and sustainable African aviation industry capable of supporting the continent’s wider economic integration agenda.
by Lilian Gichohi and Samuel Njoroge
