KENYA UNVEILS STRUCTURED AIR MARKET ACCESS FRAMEWORK UNDER PS TERESIA MBAIKA’S LEADERSHIP

Kenya has embarked on a historic reform of its aviation sector by regularizing air market access through a Structured Evaluation Framework spearheaded by the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, under the stewardship of Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika. The initiative is aimed at strengthening safety, security, and economic growth while ensuring fair opportunities for foreign airlines without compromising national strategic interests.

The reform introduces a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) chaired by PS Teresia Mbaika, which will systematically assess all external airline market access applications. This marks the first time Kenya has developed such a structured, consultative mechanism, signaling a major shift from past practices where gaps allowed irregularities and exploitation. PS Mbaika emphasized that the framework is designed not only to safeguard Kenya’s aviation industry but also to send a strong message globally that Kenya is committed to transparent and internationally recognized standards.

“Kenya’s robust air transport sector depends on serious, consultative processes that guarantee equity and mutual benefit. By regularizing the market, we are protecting our national interests while positioning Kenya as a respected player in the global aviation community,” said PS Teresia Mbaika. She noted that dishonest individuals had in the past infiltrated the system by bypassing ministry procedures, but the new stakeholder-driven approach would prevent such exploitation and promote fairness across the industry.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir backed the initiative, highlighting that the ministry has already engaged key sectors including trade, agriculture, tourism, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). He stressed that systematic evaluation of applications will address potential areas of unfair treatment such as slot allocation, fund repatriation, taxation, and advertising rights. “This framework ensures Kenya’s aviation agreements are honored while protecting our sovereignty and economic interests,” he said.

The tourism, trade, and agriculture sectors have lauded the initiative as a game-changer. Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano described it as a major boost to Kenya’s ambitious goal of attracting five million tourists by 2027, citing improved air connectivity as a direct enabler of visitor growth. Similarly, Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui and Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe pointed out that the framework will enhance cargo uplift, particularly for perishable exports, with possible leverage on 5th freedom rights to expand Kenya’s trade footprint.

The Technical Evaluation Committee chaired by PS Mbaika comprises representatives from the Ministries of Tourism and Wildlife, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Investment, Agriculture and Livestock, as well as the Office of the Attorney General. It also includes key aviation stakeholders such as the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Kenya Airways (KQ), the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) serving as secretary.

Kenya’s aviation industry remains central to the economy, supporting over 26,000 direct jobs and contributing approximately US$1.5 billion to GDP. With PS Teresia Mbaika at the helm of this reform, the structured framework is expected to consolidate Kenya’s status as a leading aviation hub for East and Central Africa while aligning the country with global best practices under ICAO and WTO principles.

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