10th August 2023 Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) hosted the 2nd
Aviation Thought Leaders Forum, which brought together aviation leaders and experts from
the Country. Building upon the foundation laid by the inaugural edition held in January, this
year’s forum aimed to enhance continuous and deliberate stakeholder engagement in shaping the
future of Kenya’s air transport ecosystem.
In his address, the KCAA Board Chairman asserted: “The new Board is committed to addressing
the issues raised by the operators. We are keen to ensure the Authority functions as a cohesive
unit rather than fragmented silos, akin to multiple Authorities under one roof, which can inhibit
progress.” He further reaffirmed unwavering support for the Director General in the execution of
his duties.
The Director General highlighted the Authority’s commitment to translating the
recommendations from the initial meeting into tangible actions, underscoring the effectiveness of
the forum in driving change within the industry. During the forum, industry leaders undertook a
review of the progress made within the aviation industry since the first thought leaders’ meeting
earlier in the year.
Integral to the discussions were conversations centered on challenges impacting the aviation
sector. Industry operators voiced concerns on issues such as inconsistencies in implementation of
regulations, staff shortage at KCAA, lengthy aircraft inclusion process, need for segregation of
regulations and special economic zones for the aviation sector, among others.
Additionally, attendees also emphasized the importance of air transport in stimulating economic
growth stating that, “Air transport isn’t just a means of moving people and goods; it’s a critical
enabler of economic integration into the global market. The benefits extend beyond immediate
users of aviation services, affecting the broader economy through increased trade, tourism, and
investment.”
In his closing remarks, the Director General commended the industry’s positive trajectory,
particularly Kenya’s status as a front runner in Africa’s environmental agenda. He cited instances
like the Kenya Airways’ initiative in piloting a flight using sustainable aviation fuels,
highlighting the nation’s commitment to a greener aviation future. Furthermore, it was noted that
Kenya is set to host the AFI Aviation Week from August 21st to 25th in Nairobi, further
exemplifying its proactive stance in aviation advancement.
Bringing the event to a close, the Board Chairman, KCAA proposed that to optimize the
effectiveness and efficiency of the meetings, it would be practical to organize annual meetings to
discuss strategic matters and monthly meetings to address the operational issues.
As Kenya strives to position itself as an aviation hub, these forums are paramount in guiding the
trajectory towards sustainable growth within the air transport sector.