Kenya Seeks Public Input on Bilateral Air Services Deals with 17 Countries

The National Assembly has invited public submissions on Kenya’s proposed ratification of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) with 17 countries, in a move expected to expand the country’s aviation connectivity and open new international routes for local carriers.

• In a notice issued by the Clerk of the National Assembly, S. Njoroge, the House said the agreements, tabled on August 5, 2026, have been referred to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure for consideration and reporting.
• The BASAs involve Kenya and Cabo Verde, Oman, Algeria, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Luxembourg, Somalia, Iceland, the Dominican Republic, Russia, Guinea, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Morocco, Poland, Haiti and Eswatini.
• The framework is designed to liberalise air transport between Kenya and partner states by allowing designated airlines to operate scheduled services, expand route networks, and improve market access.

The proposals also provide for foreign carriers from the partner countries to access the Kenyan aviation market, a move expected to increase competition and potentially lower air travel costs.

In addition, the agreements seek to facilitate codeshare arrangements between Kenyan and foreign airlines, enabling carriers to extend their networks into third markets and improve connectivity for passengers.

“The agreements aim, among other things, to enable Kenyan air operators to provide scheduled air services and expand their existing route networks by directly operating to other markets,” the notice states.

The Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure is expected to compile public views before presenting its report to the House for debate and approval.

Kenya has in recent years pursued an aggressive aviation diplomacy strategy aimed at positioning Nairobi as a regional air transport hub, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serving as the main gateway for East and Central Africa.