Kenya Airways to introduce direct flights to Nigeria

Kenya Airways is set to introduce direct flights from Nairobi to Abuja, Nigeria in July, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has said, adding that the new initiative will boost bilateral relations between the two countries.

The introduction of direct flights from Nairobi to Abuja in July this year by Kenya Airways is eagerly awaited by travellers from both countries, he said.

“We thank the Government of Nigeria for granting our national carrier the requisite landing rights,” he said.

The VP was speaking in Abuja, Nigeria, when he met the President of the Nigerian senate, Mr Mark David.

Mr Musyoka said economic ties between Kenya and Nigeria are also set to grow, once plans to revamp the Kenya-Nigeria Business Council are concluded.

“I am optimistic that the council will help to open new frontiers for trade by addressing the challenges that impede increased commercial activities between the two countries,” he said.

He was accompanied by assistant ministers Orwa Ojode, Bifwoli Wakoli and Gideon Ndambuki, acting chief whip Johnstone Muthama, and Kenya’s high commissioner to Nigeria Francis Sigei.

Mr Musyoka encouraged Nigerian nationals to take advantage of the relaxed immigration requirements that allow them flexibility to apply for entry visas on arrival at Kenya’s airports to visit the country.

Mr Musyoka, who had on Sunday attended the inauguration of President Goodluck Jonathan, congratulated Nigerians for conducting free and fair elections.

He hailed Nigeria’s successful experiment with a parliamentary system, saying it presents good lessons for Kenya whose new constitution provides for a parliamentary system.

Senator Mark expressed his country’s desire to deepen ties with Kenya which, he observed, is strategically positioned in the eastern and horn of Africa region.