The government is working on modernising the safety and security of the Aviation industry through technology.
Transport PS Mohamed Dhagar says measures to be taken include upgrading air navigation systems and equipping the East African School of Aviation with modern training equipment.
"The Government of Kenya has a special interest and commitment to ensuring success in the Aviation sector. The Ministry of Transport is in the process of promulgating an Aviation policy that will modernise the safety and security of the Aviation sector through technology."
The PS spoke on Tuesday in a meeting with top leaders in the aviation sector including Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Board chairman Eng Joseph Nkadayo.
The meeting was called to discuss and review the strides made in aviation and deliberate on how to tackle challenges facing the sector.
PS Dhagar reassured stakeholders of the government's commitment to ensuring that the Aviation sector is fully supported especially through improved infrastructure.
He appreciated the achievements realised so far despite the challenges that hit the industry such as Covid-19.
"With all the hard toiling and strenuous experience, the Republic of Kenya attained a milestone in aviation after a mandatory International Civil Aviation Organization(ICAO) universal security audit result scored the State at 91.77 per cent, the highest ever recorded for the region,” Dhagar said.
The PS said the milestone defines Kenya as a safe and secure place to trade, invest and visit.
He revealed that the Aviation sector in general recorded an economic growth of 7.5 per cent in 2021 compared to a negative growth rate of 0.3 per cent in 2020 occasioned by the pandemic.
On his part, Nkadayo acknowledged that Kenya's high safety score was a collective effort by all stakeholders, something he said was going to boost the country’s economy.
He pointed out that there was an increase in passenger traffic growth of 98.8 per cent in 2021/22 compared to the previous year while cargo traffic gained an increase of 6.4 per cent while aircraft movement went up by 44.4 per cent.
KCAA Director General Emile Arao who was also present at the meeting said assured stakeholders that 80 per cent of the services will be digitalised by June this year.
"This will be achieved by increased investment in the uncrewed aircraft systems so as to collectively grow the aviation sector."
Arao emphasised the need for industry players to work collaboratively saying KCAA will on its part provide an enabling environment for operators to thrive.
"The one-day stakeholder meeting is a desirable initiative to collaborate and find ways of improving the Aviation industry and the country’s economic growth," Arao said.
Others present during the meeting were Kenya Airways Managing Director Allan Kivaluka, KAAO chairman Mbuvi Ngunze, KAAO CEO Liz Aluvanze, Safarilink CEO Alex Avedi, KCAA board members among other chief executives and leaders in the aviation sector.
