Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Africa Civil Aviation Commission have partnered to organize the 8th Africa and Indian Ocean week event in Nairobi which also brought together different aviation organizations.
Speaking at the event, Roads and Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mr. Mohamed Daghar said that Kenya has a rich history of collaboration with ICAO which speaks volumes on the significance of the mutually beneficial relationship existing between the two entities.
He stated that hosting the President of ICAO Council Secretary General in the country is a clear indication of ICAO’s unwavering support for the African Aviation ecosystem and a stamp approval for the event.
“In fulfilment of our obligations as an ICAO Member State, Kenya has continued to pursue the shared goal of ensuring safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable global air transport system,” remarked Daghar.
The PS said that Kenya, through a robust and an enabling national legislation framework, continuously adopts and implements ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) with a view of ensuring a safe and secure aviation oversight system and provision of an effective, efficient and regular air transport network.
He also acknowledged that air transport is a key enabler to the revival of global economics.
Our National Air Transport Facilitation Committee (NAFTC) in collaboration with ICAO is also working to safely restore international air travel as per ICAO requirement as we now have in place the prerequisite infrastructure and capabilities to fully participate in ICAO’s events as this will see us join the global economy in making the passengers journey seamless,” Daghar disclosed.
“I therefore wish to assure ICAO of our support on implementation of its Strategic Objectives and more importantly, confirm that Kenya is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities as an ICAO Contracting State,” he added.
KCAA Chairman Mr. Brown Ondego also noted that Kenya has a leadership role in the Region and on the Continent, hence the significance of hosting such an event whose outcome is expected to shape aviation in the region and beyond.
Ondego reiterated that aviation plays a vital role in connecting people, cultures, and economies and also bridges the gaps between nations while enabling global trade, tourism, and human interaction.
“Therefore, we reaffirm our commitment to safe, efficient, and sustainable air travel,” he stressed.
The Chairman also reminded the delegation that with progress comes responsibility hence they must make sure that the benefits of aviation are accessible to all, that safety remains paramount, and that their operations are conducted with the utmost respect for their environment.
By Shamim Kambi and Nice Wambui
