LUANDA, Angola, July 26 – Kenya has backed calls for greater integration between aviation and tourism sectors across Africa during the 2nd UN Tourism and ICAO Africa Ministerial Summit held in Luanda.
The summit brought together ministers, policymakers, and industry players to address regulatory barriers, mobility challenges, and regional cooperation in aviation and tourism development.
Kenya’s delegation, led by Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, presented proposals linking air transport growth to tourism sector expansion, job creation, and enhanced investment opportunities.
The PS highlighted Kenya’s visa-free entry for all African citizens as a recent policy shift to enhance mobility, foster tourism, and attract more intra-African travel.
“Seamless connectivity and improved passenger experience will position Africa as a more accessible and competitive destination,” Mbaika said.
Kenya also emphasized the need for simplified immigration processes, inclusive infrastructure at ports of entry, and better post-arrival connectivity to support the aviation-tourism value chain.
On the sidelines, PS Mbaika met with ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano, who welcomed Kenya’s establishment of a dedicated State Department for Aviation and Aerospace. He cited the move as an important signal of the country’s prioritization of air transport in national development. ICAO pledged support in areas including safety oversight, capacity building, and environmental sustainability.
Kenya and Angola also agreed to review their Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), explore reciprocal visa arrangements, and begin technical cooperation to improve regulatory alignment and promote tourism and trade.
As part of this engagement, Kenya invited Angola’s Minister for Transport, Ricardo Daniel Sandão, to visit Nairobi aboard TAAG Angola Airlines’ planned inaugural direct flight to Kenya in September 2025.
The Kenyan delegation included Ambassador to Angola Joyce M’maitsi; officials from the Ministries of Transport, Tourism, Roads, and Agriculture; and Dalmas Owino Okendo, Head of Government and Industry Affairs at Kenya Airways.
