Kenya's Aviation Sector Contributes KSh 425 Billion to GDP, Report
- Kenya's aviation sector facilitated KSh 425 billion of economic activity, including the total impact, such as the wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities
- The sector supports 460,000 jobs, with 5,700 of these jobs directly coming from airlines
- It transports 380,000 tonnes of air cargo, making it the 35th largest air cargo market in the world
Boniface Kanyamwaya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than 10 years of experience in finance, economics, business, markets, and aviation, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.
Kenya's aviation sector contributed KSh 425 billion to the nation's Gross Domestic Product in 2023, a new report has revealed.
Source: Twitter
The report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which was released in Nairobi on Tuesday, May 13, states that the sector also contributed to 460,000 jobs.
Out of these, 5,700 jobs come directly from airlines in Kenya, according to the report titled Value of Air Transport in Kenya.
"Kenya's aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing USD 3.3 billion to GDP and supporting 460,000 jobs.
"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 is enormous. This will, however, require efficient, cost-competitive infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general in a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke
Kenya Airways management supports IATA conference
Kenya Airways (KQ) CEO Allan Kilavuka said the insightful report from IATA underscores the immense value that aviation brings to Kenya's economy and the livelihoods of its people.
He said that hosting the IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi at this crucial time provides a vital platform to collaboratively tackle the challenges and opportunities highlighted in the study.
"By focusing on enhancing efficiency on the ground, investing in our workforce, and adopting global best practices in ground handling, we can ensure that Kenya's aviation sector continues to be a powerful engine for economic growth and a key enabler of connectivity for the entire continent," said Kilavuka.
Source: Twitter
KQ hosts 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference
Kenya Airways is hosting the IATA 37th conference in Nairobi, targeting hundreds from the aviation sector.
The three-day conference started on Tuesday, May 13, and will end on Thursday, May 15.
The event, set to be opened formally on Wednesday, May 14, by President William Ruto, will be happening in Africa for the first time.
The conference is set to focus on modernising operations, investing in workforce development, and fostering enhanced collaboration and coordination.
To address these critical areas and ensure the continued growth of Kenya's aviation sector, IATA has outlined three key priorities, including strategic infrastructure development, which requires continuous collaboration between airport authorities and airlines.
This aligns with global standards to create efficient and cost-effective facilities that strengthen Kenya's position as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
