Kenya is banking on three US giant firms – Delta airlines, General Electric (GE) and airplane maker, Boeing to lobby for clearance on direct flight operations between the two countries.
Insecurity in the country and particularly around flight paths has stalled Kenya’s efforts of attaining category one status-required to boost confidence of operations.
But Kenya’s Transport ministry today morning confirmed efforts to enhance security are in top gear-expressing optimism Kenya-US direct flights will likely start early next year.
“Security of our flight paths is now ok. From the installation of electronic checking point on entrance to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and improvements on our terminals makes us certain of achieving the status,” said Transport Cabinet Secretary, Eng. Michael Kamau.
Kamau revealed Kenya had a fruitful discussion with US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and Transport Safety Authority (TSA) to compliment their security enhancement efforts at the JKIA. The two authorities are currently offering technical support at the Airport.
He spoke at a Nairobi hotel during an event to unpack goodies from the just concluded US-Africa Summit.
The US has committed Sh 1.2 trillion targeted at African economies to break increased dominance of Chinese and European countries in the continent.
Its strategic moves entail expanding its offering from the oil and gas sector only to include banking, industry, information technology and construction.
