Kenya’s aviation sector has emerged as a major pillar of the national economy, contributing 3.1 per cent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—equivalent to Sh430 billion—and sustaining over 460,000 jobs across the country, a new report has revealed.
Released during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, the report, titled ‘The value of air transport to Kenya’, paints a comprehensive picture of how air travel is underpinning economic growth, trade, tourism, and employment.
The study shows that 21,100 individuals are directly employed in aviation, collectively generating Sh155 billion in economic output—equivalent to 1.1 per cent of the country’s total GDP.
This includes jobs in airlines, airport operations, and ground services.
Onsite airport businesses, airport operators, and airlines collectively account for Sh130 billion of output and 5,700 jobs.
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Meanwhile, air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and aircraft manufacturing contribute a further Sh17.6 billion and 15,400 jobs.
Tourism supported by aviation contributes another Sh155 billion to the economy, employing 242,200 Kenyans.
In total, international tourists are estimated to spend Sh246 billion annually, primarily through local goods and services.
According to the report, “Aviation creates a range of social benefits and contributes significantly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Air transport enhances access to education, connects friends and families, facilitates cultural exchange, and drives socio-economic development.”
In his remarks, IATA’s director general Willie Walsh noted the long-term impact of air travel on nations,"
“Acting together, these forces enable a country to expand its productive potential, delivering long-term economic growth and supporting the reduction in poverty and improvement in living standards for all of the nation’s citizens,” Walsh stated.
Beyond direct employment and economic activity, the industry also facilitates trade and innovation.
Last year, air cargo passing through Kenyan airports reached 380,000 tonnes, strengthening the country’s import-export capacity.
Air transport continues to support e-commerce and complex supply chains by enabling fast, reliable logistics.
Kenya also recorded 2.3 million international passenger departures in 2023, making up 40 per cent of the total origin-destination traffic.
Africa remains the leading destination for Kenyan passengers, followed by Europe and the Middle East.
IATA’s figures indicate that 858,700 passengers flew from Kenya to other African nations in 2023, representing 37 per cent of all international departures.
Europe drew 644,100 travellers (28 per cent), while 297,600 flew to the Middle East (13 per cent).
London topped the list of preferred international destinations with 126,900 passengers, followed by Entebbe (121,700), Dubai (75,500), and other cities including Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, Kigali, Milan, and Frankfurt.
The report highlighted a 34 per cent rise in Kenya’s air connectivity within Africa since 2014, and a 30 per cent increase with the rest of the world.
Furthermore, 31 per cent of all international arrivals in Kenya used the country as a transit hub, while two per cent connected to domestic flights.
The majority—67 per cent—either concluded their travel at their point of arrival or continued by land.
The accessibility of air travel has also seen significant improvements. Over the past five decades, global flight costs have dropped by 70 per cent.
In Kenya, the average real airfare declined by 54 per cent between 2011 and 2023, although the average citizen still needs to work approximately 35.9 days to afford a ticket.
In 2023, there were 106 flights taken for every 1,000 Kenyans.
Besides boosting movement and tourism, aviation has proven crucial during emergencies.
From disaster relief to pandemic response, air cargo has served as a lifeline for humanitarian aid and essential supplies.
By enabling collaboration, productivity, and cross-border innovation, Kenya’s air transport industry is not only lifting GDP figures but also connecting the country to the rest of the world in ways that go far beyond numbers.
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