Economy

Kenya in talks with neighbours to reduce travel costs

Kenya and its landlocked neighbours are developing a framework around which air fares will be lowered within the bloc ahead of an open air sky in January 2016.

This follows a directive issued jointly by presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Salva Kiir of South Sudan at the 11th Northern Corridor Integration Summit in Nairobi last weekend.

Open skies policy involves giving flying permits to airlines from foreign countries.

“Ensure that there is fairness in pricing of air tickets on all regional routes, specific attention should be given to Juba-Nairobi-Juba and Entebbe-Nairobi-Entebbe routes,” said a communiqué signed by the four leaders.

Stakeholder engagement

Ministers of respective countries are now engaging the airline sector with a view to enhancing competition and making flights affordable.

Kenya is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of the arrangement, which is seen as a remedy that could revive the ailing Kenya Airways.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie on Monday said Kenya is positioning itself to fully benefit from the arrangement, by allowing international airlines to operate scheduled flights to Mombasa.

“Government will also expand Malindi Airport to accommodate international flights. The new arrangements will see tourists flock to the Coast, increasing earnings,” said Mrs Kandie in Mombasa.

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