Kenya’s economy stands to be a major gainer if it opens its air space through the Yamoussoukro Decision. The benefits are estimated at KSH 7 billion into the economy which are achievable if Kenya enters into mutual international agreements that will see the Kenyan Air space opened.
An agreement called Yamoussoukro Decision was aimed at opening the African skies for mutual benefit.
International Air Transport Association projects that opening the airspace could create up to 16,000 jobs and an astounding 7 billion injection into Kenya’s GDP.
A report shows that, “Kenya is likely to expand its labor market by creating 15,900 more jobs, boost GDP by Sh7 billion while 406,000 passengers will be increased to its routes”. The report provides a major agenda in a two-day Aviation Africa meeting in Dubai. The meeting draws attendance from world-class leading airlines, ministers and authorities to be held in Dubai.
The agenda off opening air space was reached over 15 years ago but is yet to be implemented by the 44 countries that signed the deal. The implementation has been met by some challenges mainly its translation to the individual state domestic legislation. This delay of the Yamoussoukro Decision has caused a lot of frustrations on the African Businesses that are looking to expand throughout the continent.
The implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision is very crucial as it will increase the air service levels, reduce the fares and in turn increase the traffic volume. In lay language means that flying will be cheaper hence more people will fly bringing forth income to the airlines.
Kenya is set to benefit in a number of major aspects; tourism which is experiencing a dip will be boosted, trade with other countries will be enhanced as the rigorous process will reduce to a minimum and investors will be able to access the country easier seeing as travelling will be cheaper and faster.
Implementation of Africa Skies through the Yamoussoukro Decision will boost productivity in the country, bolster economic growth and in the same breath create a huge number of jobs for Kenyans. It will also reduce the restrictions imposed on passengers not only from Africa but abroad who wish to travel to African countries. Estimated 5million passengers are denied to travel due to restrictions annually.
