Mudavadi, Turkish Airlines Hold Talks to Deepen Aviation Sector Collaboration
Mudavadi encouraged Turkish Airlines to take advantage of the opportunity, while also exploring synergies with KQ, which is aggressively expanding its fleet and route network.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Friday announced a strategic meeting with top executives from Turkish Airlines to explore deeper collaboration in the aviation sector. Photo/Musalia Mudavadi.
By Robert Assad
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on Friday announced a strategic meeting with top executives from Turkish Airlines to explore deeper collaboration in the aviation sector, signaling renewed momentum in Kenya’s efforts to position itself as a key regional aviation hub.
In a statement shared on his verified social media platforms, Mudavadi revealed that discussions focused on forging a “Kazan-Kazan” (win-win) partnership between Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways (KQ), as the national carrier continues its upward financial trajectory.
“With Kenya Airways returning to profitability, we explored areas for mutually beneficial partnerships, especially as the government prepares to re-open expressions of interest for the upgrade and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA),” Mudavadi wrote.
The high-level engagement, which included Turkish Airlines CEO Bilal Eksi and Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka, comes at a time when Kenya is actively seeking strategic partnerships to boost infrastructure investment, improve service delivery, and expand connectivity across Africa and beyond.
JKIA, Kenya’s main international gateway, is slated for a major facelift in the coming months, with the government expected to invite bids for modernization and expansion.
Mudavadi encouraged Turkish Airlines to take advantage of the opportunity, while also exploring synergies with KQ, which is aggressively expanding its fleet and route network.
The meeting also brought together Kenya’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Leonard Boiyo, and senior officials from both sides, underscoring the significance of the bilateral relationship between Nairobi and Ankara in the context of economic diplomacy.
Turkish Airlines, one of the world’s most connected carriers, has continued to show interest in expanding its footprint in Africa. Kenya, being a regional business and tourism hub, presents a strategic point of entry for passengers and cargo flows into East and Central Africa.
Analysts say that a partnership between Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways could enhance route efficiency, increase cargo handling capacity, and boost tourism and trade between Kenya and Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Mudavadi’s engagement reflects the government’s broader strategy to leverage diplomatic and commercial relationships in accelerating Kenya’s aviation sector development, infrastructure modernization, and job creation.
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