• "Being a national and strategic asset, Kenya Airways is not an asset we would want to let go at all. Therefore, it cannot also continue to be on life support forever," he said.
• He pointed out that the aviation space is vital for the tourism industry, for exports of fresh produce and for maintaining Kenya’s position as a regional hub.
UDA presidential candidate William Ruto has pledged to revive Kenya Airways and turn it into what it is supposed to be, within six months, if elected.
He spoke on Thursday while launching the Kenya Kwanza Alliance manifesto at Kasarani Stadium.
"Being a national and strategic asset, Kenya Airways is not an asset we would want to let go of at all. Therefore, it cannot also continue to be on life support forever," he said.
Ruto said there is a huge potential for the country's economy in the air travel space.
He pointed out that the aviation space is vital for the tourism industry, for exports of fresh produce and for maintaining Kenya’s position as a regional hub.
The Deputy President added that before it run into difficulties a few years ago, Kenya Airways demonstrated that Kenya could become a major African and even global aviation hub.
"Africa has 15 percent of the world’s population but only two percent of air passenger traffic. This means there's room for growth," Ruto said.
Further, Ruto said the firm's problems arose due to managerial mistakes and problems related to conflicts of interest.
"I dare say the problem with Kenya Airways and the financial challenges therein, is a reflection of internal and managerial mistakes rather than market prospects."
The Deputy President said the critical plank of the turnaround strategy will be a financing plan that does not depend on operational support from the Exchequer beyond December 2023.