Consumers’ Federation of Kenya sues over West Africa flights
What you need to know:
- Mr Henry Kurauka, representing Cofek, told High Court Judge Weldon Korir that public anxiety was growing as Kenya Airways continued to fly to West Africa.
- About 70 flights touch down at JKIA from West Africa every week.
The Consumers’ Federation of Kenya has joined the chorus against the national carrier flying to Ebola-stricken countries.
Cofek in its application filed at the High Court wants Kenya Airways prohibited from flying to the countries as a way of preventing the deadly virus from getting into Kenya.
Mr Henry Kurauka, representing Cofek, said many airlines had stopped flying to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone and the insistence by Kenya Airways to continue operating the routes was only informed by profits.
He told High Court Judge Weldon Korir that public anxiety was growing as Kenya Airways continued to fly to West Africa. He said the concern was also due to the World Health Organisation classifying Kenya as a high-risk area.
About 70 flights touch down at JKIA from West Africa every week.
The lawyer also said though there have been indications that Kenya Airways would cancel flights to two of the countries, the virus could still find its way into Kenya if flights to and from the other countries are not stopped.
“This is a killer disease with no known cure. We want Kenya Airways to enlarge the list of countries it will not fly to,” he said.
He said experience had shown that the Government was always slow to act in times of crises.
“The state often responds to urgent matters at the eleventh hour. Stopping the said flights would prevent the spread of the virus,” he said.
Those enjoined in the suit are the Attorney-General and Transport, Health and Interior cabinet secretaries.
Justice Korir certified the matter as urgent and directed Cofek to serve the respondents with the papers. The hearing was set for August 20.
