Nairobi: Kenya has called for stronger regional integration and accelerated modernization of aviation infrastructure as it hosts the 10th Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition in Nairobi. Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, officially opened the two-day summit at the Sarit Expo Centre, bringing together aviation leaders, policymakers, regulators and industry players from Africa and beyond.
According to Kenya News Agency, the summit is hosted by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) under the theme, ‘Breaking the Mould: Finding Solutions to the Key Challenges Hindering Africa’s Aviation Industry.’ Mudavadi emphasized that aviation is a critical driver of economic growth, trade, tourism, investment, and regional integration, while also highlighting the barriers that limit intra-African air connectivity.
Mudavadi pointed out that the reliance on transit routes through destinations outside Africa increases the cost of air travel and restricts the movement of people and goods across the continent. He asserted that aviation is more than just a means of transport; it is an enabler of trade, tourism, investment, healthcare, education, humanitarian assistance, and cultural exchange.
He urged African countries to accelerate the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an initiative under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, to unlock the continent’s aviation potential. Mudavadi also called for greater involvement of national parliaments in aviation reforms, particularly efforts to advance open-skies policies, encouraging industry stakeholders to engage lawmakers more actively to build support for reforms.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary mentioned that Kenya is committed to upgrading its aviation infrastructure and regulatory systems, highlighting investments in modern air traffic management systems, digital aviation technologies, and safety capabilities. He cited the planned upgrading of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to global standards as a priority to cope with growing passenger and air cargo volumes.
Principal Secretary for the State Department of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, affirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for a safe, efficient, sustainable, and competitive aviation industry. The government’s agenda includes infrastructure development, improved connectivity, increased investment, human capital development, and innovation, alongside responsive regulatory and policy frameworks.
Mbaika stated that Kenya aims to retain its position as one of Africa’s leading aviation hubs while strengthening its role as a major air cargo center. She noted that the establishment of a dedicated State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development reflects the government’s recognition of the sector’s growing importance amid rising cargo demand, emerging technologies, and new air mobility solutions.
KCAA Board Chairman, Brown Ondego, highlighted Kenya’s strong foundation in civil aviation, aiming to promote greater regional connectivity, which could create opportunities for trade, tourism, investment, and the movement of people and goods. Ondego expressed pride in co-hosting the summit, which provides an opportunity for stakeholders to develop partnerships and translate discussions into practical actions for the continent’s aviation sector.
The summit, running through September 10, is expected to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including the development of sustainable aviation fuels, digital transformation, the use of artificial intelligence in air traffic management, human capital development, and innovative financing. Stakeholders will explore measures for building a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable African aviation industry capable of supporting the continent’s wider economic integration agenda.
