Kenya ranks top 35 in global air cargo according to data by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
In a study that focused on the country dubbed Value of Air Transport (Kenya), the organization found that 380,000 tonnes of air cargo pass through Kenya’s airports, placing it among the top 50 freight hubs in the world at position 35.
The study based on data up to 2023 also found that the aviation industry created over 460,000 jobs, out of which 5,700 were direct employee by airlines. The rest span the wider supply chain, aviation related-tourism activities and employee spending.
The value chain brought USD 3.3 billion (KES) into the Kenyan economy accounting for 3.1% of the GDP.
Expanding the aviation industry in Kenya
Recently, Kenya Airways and Safarilink signed a pact that would enable tourists to use a single booking to access 9 final destinations of Kenya’s game parks.
The collaboration will likely expand domestic flights and increase the number of international passengers who use a domestic flight to their final destination.
Currently, only 2% of international passengers use a domestic flight to their final destination according to IATA data. Over 67% used an alternative mode or finished their journey at the port of entry.
With Africa’s aviation market projected to grow at 3.7% over the next 20 years, the potential for these substantial economic and social benefits to grow are enormous. This will, however, require efficient, cost-competitive infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General
IATA said it supports the implementation of Kenya’s electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) system which has the potential to significantly enhance the country’s appeal as a destination for both leisure and business travel.
This will ultimately increase Kenya’s competitiveness as a hub for both passenger and cargo activity which can be strengthened with a comprehensive strategy for digitalization of facilitation processes.
