Kenya Airways on Thursday launched the Fahari Innovation Hub, a centre to incubate new data-driven innovations to address business and societal challenges facing the airline.

KQ said the hub is part of its contribution to sustainable development of Africa and encourages innovative ideas and strategies among local start-ups and small-medium enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking at the launch, ICT Cabinet Secretary Joseph Mucheru stressed on the need to innovate for the future, especially for the youth to respond to changing times and diverse opportunities.

“We commend Kenya Airways for partnering with National Youth Council and GE and leveraging and harnessing Youth potential to design the Fahari Innovation Hub in fast-tracking the country’s mission to use new, digital and environmental friendly business models beyond flying to shape our tomorrow.

“Through the hub we hope to see provision of upskilling, employment opportunities, community growth as well as support to local universities, enterprises and SMEs as we contribute to the sustainable development of Africa.”

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Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka reiterated the need for new ideas even for the airline, especially during the ongoing pandemic, to foster inclusive partnerships with the society.

Joseph Mucheru. PHOTO/KQ

He added, “Enabling an environment that will accelerate innovative ideas, knowledge exchange and impact business operations brought together various think-tanks, industry leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs exemplifies our spirit to charge forward as we seek to innovatively find solutions that address some of our business problems and pain points.”

Fahari Innovation Hub has operated virtually for about a year and, with the physical workspace, it will offer opportunities for co-creation, collaboration, networking, research and learning.

Roy Sasaka Telewa and Allan Kilavuka. PHOTO/KQ

Last week, the hub launched by the national carrier curated a virtual workshop for entrepreneurs dubbed the “KQ Aviation 101 Workshop”, where the Fahari Innovation Challenge was launched.

It appraises start-ups and SMEs on the opportunities available to access markets in the entire aviation industry value chain, including airports, food industry, tourism and digitization.