Those who erroneously think that KQ is a vanity project that should be left to collapse only need to see what a vibrant airline like Ethiopia’s has done to its Bole airport hub with government support.
It leverages the horticulture sub-sector that is quickly overtaking Kenya, an aviation engineering hub as well as a vast tourism sector.
In short, the government has an obligation to support KQ in whichever way necessary to ensure it lifts the economy and creates employment.
Without a shadow of doubt, Kenya Airways is one of the most strategic parastatals with a far-reaching multiplier effect on the domestic and regional economy.
For starters, it is responsible for a lot of employment at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has indeed been the case since the 1977 collapse of its predecessor, the East African Airways. Beyond the hub, it leverages the horticulture, agriculture, tourism, hospitality and other service sectors even beyond our borders.
Those who erroneously think that KQ is a vanity project that should be left to collapse only need to see what a vibrant airline like Ethiopia’s has done to its Bole airport hub with government support. It leverages the horticulture sub-sector that is quickly overtaking Kenya, an aviation engineering hub as well as a vast tourism sector.
In short, the government has an obligation to support KQ in whichever way necessary to ensure it lifts the economy and creates employment. We would want to believe that was the objective of the Cabinet when it cleared the merger of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and KQ.
The latter has drawn comparisons with rivals Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines to justify the Nairobi airport being under its wings. That probably needs to be studied beyond the superficial and emotive level.
However, inasmuch as we need to rescue KQ from its multi-billion shilling loss making, it appears the proponents of the deal have been trying to ram it down the throats of everyone without going for a wide buy-in, knowing it would be a hard sell for people like KAA used to effortlessly and comfortably raking in billions.
That is why we welcome Transport Secretary James Macharia’s announcement of suspension of the deal pending further consultations and weighing of more options. This should allow for a transparent process that will help the economy thrive.
KQ needs to be stabilised quickly so that it can withstand competition and lift the economy in line with Vision 2030.
Let all stakeholders engage in a focused process shorn of selfish interests and petty turf wars in determining the future of KQ and subsequently the Nairobi hub for the greater good of the country.
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