Aviation contribute USD 3.3 bn, 3.1% of Kenya’s GDP: IATA
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In Kenya, 21,100 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 1.2 billion of economic output, equal to 1.1% of total GDP.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released the Value of Air Transport study for Kenya, quantifying the substantial benefits that aviation (including aviation-related tourism) generates in terms of jobs and economic activity.
The study highlights data of 2023 showcasing benefits generated by wider supply chain, employee spending, and tourism activities contributing a total of USD 3.3 billion of economic activity, equal to 3.1% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 460,000 jobs.
In Kenya, 21,100 people are directly employed in aviation, generating USD 1.2 billion of economic output, equal to 1.1% of total GDP. 5,700 jobs are directly employed by airlines, with further 15,400 jobs elsewhere and 242,200 job in aviation related tourism.
"Kenya's aviation sector is a vital economic driver, contributing USD 3.3 billion to GDP and supporting 460,000 jobs. With Africa’s aviation market projected to grow at 3.7% over the next 20 years, the potential for these substantial economic and social benefits to grow are enormous. This will, however, require efficient, cost-competitive infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050," said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Key priorities for Kenya according to IATA include continued collaboration with airline stakeholders and alignment with global standards and best practices; passenger and cargo activity can be strengthened with a comprehensive strategy for digitalization of facilitation processes; and A skilled aviation workforce is critical to growing aviation’s benefits in Kenya. Key areas for capacity-building include technical operations, ground operations, maintenance, digital transformation and sustainability. IATA’s regional training centre, with Kenya Airways as its training partner, will contribute to building Kenya’s aviation workforce of the future.