State revives orders for its staff to fly Kenya Airways

Public servants will have to fly Kenya Airways when they travel for official duty starting tomorrow, Tourism Cabinet secretary Najib Balala has said.

Balala said ministries had agreed to strictly implement this policy from July 1.

If successful, it could be a shot in the arm for the cash-strapped airline as it will rake in millions following increased trips by state agencies and delegations recently.

"No foreigner will come and support our own institutions," Balala said yesterday at the airline's headquarters in Embakasi, Nairobi.

"It is only right for government and the people of Kenya to support Kenya Airways. The British officials fly British Airways so it is no mistake to support our own and this is in good faith."

Balala, however, urged the airline to improve the quality of its services and offer the government special rates to enhance the deal.

This is not the first time a cabinet directive has been issued calling for public servants to fly the national carrier.

In 2013, former Transport Cabinet secretary Michael Kamau directed that all state officials travel by KQ for their official assignments following approval of this proposal by the Cabinet.

The airline reported Sh25.7 billion loss after tax for full year ending March 2015. In the half-year period to September 2015, the national carrier reported a Sh11.95 billion net loss.

KQ boss Mbuvi Ngunze said passenger numbers have not grown sufficiently so far, and asked the government to focus on enhancing security and implementing favourable policies.

Balala on his part further asked the airline to review its prices to offer competitive rates that will increase the number of local and international tourists.

He asked KQ to use its network to market Kenya as a tourism destination especially in countries posting high growth such as China, Dubai and Nigeria.

Source