KQ Receives Kshs.26.6 Billion From the Government

According to Transport CS James Macharia, KQ is critical in revitalizing areas of the economy that have been stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects.

The financial assistance, which was announced as part of the supplementary budget for the fiscal year ending June 2022, is meant to boost the airline's existing resources, including its network, fleet, and operations, and help it return to profitability.

“The Government appreciates the significant role that aviation in general and Kenya Airways in particular plays in the socio-economic development of Kenya and the continent. Like many governments, the Government has therefore felt it critical to support Kenya Airways,” Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) James Macharia stated.

According to the CS, KQ is critical in restoring sectors of the economy that have been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the tourism and agriculture sectors.

“Agriculture is one of the country's largest economic sectors and the second biggest foreign exchange earner. Kenyan exports of agricultural products (mainly fresh vegetables and cut flowers) are transported to foreign markets mainly by air. KQ has historically supported such exports and has provided much-needed cargo capacity during the pandemic,” Macharia added.

He also noted that since Nairobi is home to the headquarters of a number of multinational corporations, whose employees primarily travel through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, KQ can take advantage of the opportunity once the reforms are implemented by providing logistics and transportation solutions across Africa.