• Previous reports that Kenya Airways was facing an EU ban due to safety reasons were erroneous.
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The country's national carrier, Kenya Airways, is not at risk of being banned from flying to the European Union for non-compliance with safety provisions.
However, the EU Air Safety Committee has raised several concerns about the state of aviation safety in Kenya.
The National Security Council has, however, been informed of the discussions held by the EU Air Safety Committee during a meeting in November last year, where various air carriers were listed as banned. Kenya was not among them.
"Kenya has not been listed. Kenya's air safety situation was mentioned," said Bitange Ndemo, Kenya's Ambassador to the EU, in a letter to Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing'Oei.
Previous reports that Kenya Airways was facing an EU ban due to safety reasons were erroneous.
The discussions by the EU committee were about all carriers operating in Kenya and any potential ban would affect all carriers, not just Kenya Airways.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), which is responsible for air safety, has stated it does not have enough financial resources to implement the recommendations made by the EU committee.
Among the issues raised by the committee are Kenya's importation of outdated aircraft, which the ASC says lack spare parts and insufficient technical capacity by the KCAA to enforce air safety standards.
Others include alleged increases in air misses and accidents, substandard aviation training programmes and unqualified training institutions.
Although Kenya was not listed, the European Union ASC has flagged the country's air safety and immediately commenced investigations to ensure its compliance with international standards.
The ASC has discussed its concerns with the KCAA, most recently on April 10.
Since then, the KCAA has named a new director general, Emile Arao, effective April 22, replacing Captain Gilbert Kibe, who retired after seven years.
Kenya Airways has several safety certifications that allow it to fly across the world.
The first certification is from KCAA. It affirms that operations, maintenance and safety procedures are in strict compliance with both national and international aviation regulations.
KQ also has the Third Country Operator authorisation certificate from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
This significant certification highlights the airline's adherence to international safety and operational standards, enabling it to operate seamlessly within European airspace.
The Safety Assessment for Foreign Aircraft, which KQ also holds is for regular Safety Assessment for Foreign Aircraft inspections conducted by European aviation authorities.
Kenya's carrier also has IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate.
This internationally recognised programme assesses the operational management and control systems of airlines.
KQ's IOSA certification underscores its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and efficiency.
IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) takes care of the airline's ground operations.
This certification ensures that ground handling procedures comply with international safety standards, minimising risks and enhancing the safety of services on the ground.