Talks for direct flights to US to get push
Direct flights from Kenya to the US are being held up by negotiations on security, which have stagnated.
Speaking during a luncheon for the American Chamber of Commerce, US ambassador to Kenya, Mr Scott Gration, said the negotiations were a matter of priority in strengthening business between the two countries.
“I have made getting direct flights between the United States and Kenya a top priority. These flights would significantly strengthen our commercial and economic ties,” he said.
The US transport secretary is expected to visit Kenya at the end of this month to push the talks.
Two years ago, a scheduled inaugural flight between Atlanta and Nairobi failed after the US department of homeland security ruled that Nairobi was not a safe landing for an American airline because of fears of terrorist attacks.
Last year, Kenya exported Sh22.5 billion worth of goods to the USA and imported more than Sh39 billion worth.
Direct flights would boost the number of US business and leisure tourists.
Last year, the number of visitors of American origin departing Kenya through the major airports totalled to 131,000 inclusive of business, transit and holiday travellers, compared to 127,000 and 89,000 such visitors in 2009 and 2008 respectively.
