Kenya’s fury at cancelled Delta flights

The Kenya government on Wednesday reacted angrily to America’s decision to cancel Delta Airlines’ maiden direct flight to Nairobi.

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Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula summoned US ambassador Michael Ranneberger to his office and demanded an explanation over the abrupt move.

At a Press conference where Mr Ranneberger was present, the minister said: “Things can be done in a much better manner. Great friends like Kenya and America do not have to communicate through website postings,” Mr Wetang’ula said.

The government’s furious reaction stemmed from a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security to cancel the flight from Atlanta, Georgia, to Nairobi. A statement from the US embassy issued on Tuesday attributed the decision to “last minute issues”.

Security concerns

Before summoning Mr Ranneberger to the news conference, Mr Wetang’ula had enumerated to journalists the steps Kenya had taken to ensure it addressed all the security concerns which the US had raised.

The minister also cited preparations that had been made ahead of the flight, including sending Prime Minister Raila Odinga to the US to sign two agreements in order to enable the flights to commence. He said they had also sent Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere to Atlanta to be on the inaugural flight.

Mr Ranneberger was at pains to explain the last minute change. “I very much regret the manner in which the decision reached the government. I have spoken to the Prime Minister and I have emphasised that it is a postponement and that we will resume soon,” he said.

The airline’s country representative, Ms Jane Mwangi, told the Nation that they were still in office pending further directions from their superiors.

The office has four employees. “Due to noted security vulnerabilities in and around Nairobi and the failure to meet international security standards and appropriate recommended practices established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at the Roberts International Airport in Monrovia, TSA is currently denying air service by Delta to Nairobi and Monrovia until security standards are met or security threat assessments change,” read the statement announcing the cancellation.

On Tuesday, the Kenya Government, through its spokesman Dr Alfred Mutua, maintained that security arrangements both at the airport and in the capital city were up to standards.

“The Government of Kenya has complied with all the additional security measures requested by Delta and Nairobi airports’ security is excellent,” Dr Mutua said in a statement.

Meanwhile, increasing militia activities in Somalia such as Al-Shabaab Islamists, it is believed, may have changed the perception of the officials of the Department of Homeland Security, which had cleared the flight ahead of the its planned debut.

A spot check by the Nation, at Delta office indicated that passengers were being re-routed while others were opting for refunds.

“We had a big number of passengers that had made bookings with us but due to the cancellations, we are re-routing them through our Sky Team partners and refunding those who wish to,” said Ms Celestine Musyoki, an employee.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi yesterday, Kenya Airways managing director Titus Naikuni also echoed the security concerns raised by the TSA.

“It is a fact that security needs to be improved at the airport and even us as an airline, have employed about 140 security officers to take charge of our facilities at the airport,” said Mr Naikuni.