Nairobi, Kenya – May 13, 2025– A newly released Value of Air Transport report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) underscores the crucial economic role of Kenya’s aviation sector, with a total contribution of Ksh425 billion (USD 3.3 billion) to the country’s GDP and the support of 460,000 jobs in 2023.
The findings arrive as Nairobi hosts the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) – a first for the African continent – highlighting Kenya’s growing stature as a regional aviation hub.
According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, “Kenya’s aviation sector is a vital economic driver. With Africa’s market projected to grow by 3.7% annually over the next two decades, the opportunities for growth are tremendous – but depend on modern infrastructure, workforce development, and sustainable practices.”
Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka echoed this sentiment, describing the conference as “timely and transformative.” He noted that “the value aviation brings to Kenya is undeniable. This event provides a strategic opportunity to align ground handling with international best practices, foster workforce investment, and ensure aviation continues to power economic progress across the region.”
The report goes beyond direct airline employment, revealing that only 5,700 of the 460,000 jobs are directly within airlines. The remainder are part of the wider supply chain, tourism, and related industries – a testament to the far-reaching influence of air transport.
In 2023, Kenya also handled 380,000 tonnes of air cargo, ranking 35th globally. This places the country firmly on the global logistics map, further supporting trade and economic integration.
IATA’s Three Pillars for Growth:
To unlock further growth, IATA has outlined three key areas of focus:
- Strategic Infrastructure Development
Airport and airline collaboration must remain a priority to ensure Kenya’s infrastructure meets global efficiency and cost benchmarks. - Standardised Ground Handling Operations
IATA’s Monika Mejstrikova highlighted tools like the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), which saw a record 400 station accreditations in 2024. These tools streamline global operations and enhance safety and efficiency. - Workforce Training and Digital Transformation
With Kenya Airways hosting IATA’s regional training centre, a strong emphasis is placed on capacity building in technical, operational, and sustainability domains. Embracing digitalisation – including effective rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system – will also help Kenya maintain its competitive edge.
As Africa’s aviation future takes flight, Kenya is well-positioned to lead the charge with targeted investment, visionary leadership, and international cooperation. The message from IATA is clear: with the right tools and commitment, aviation can fuel Kenya’s prosperity for decades to come.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: IATA & KENYA AIR
