Kenya has been re-elected for a three year term (2016 -2019) to the International Civil Aviation Organization Council (ICAO Council). Kenya managed a total of 159 votes out of 172, garnering the second highest number of votes and the highest number of votes among the African Candidates.
Speaking shortly after the re-election, Capt. Gilbert Kibe, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General said “Being on the ICAO Council is important to Kenya as we can directly participate in shaping policy and the future of aviation globally. Aviation is a vital sector in Kenya’s economy and an important component of the African economy.”
“Kenya is honored by the ICAO Member States for the confidence they have shown in us which was demonstrated by the overwhelming support during the elections. We also acknowledge the support and facilitation of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Eastern Africa Member States who will be represented on the ICAO Council by Kenya.” He further added.
The establishment of a vibrant and highly competitive civil aviation industry has been deemed critical for the development of Kenya. Aviation has also been identified as one of the growth drivers of Vision 2030 which aims to make Kenya a middle income economy by the year 2030.
The aviation industry in Kenya lends to economic contribution with direct impact valued at Kshs. 58.9344 Billion annually which is equivalent to 1.1% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and indirectly through Tourism valued at over Kshs. 140.68Billion annually. The industry is expected to grow by an average of 5% p.a. in the next 14 years
In his closing statement, the Director General said, “Through the ICAO Council office, we will continue to serve the Country, the Region, the Continent and the World at large for the growth of the Aviation sector.
