US direct flights delayed over airport security kit

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority are yet to fulfil security enhancements demanded by US authorities at the JKIA before Delta airline launches its services. Photo/FILE

Discussions are going on between Kenya and the US so that the Open Skies Agreement signed last year is not cancelled over failure to install security screening equipment at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Under the agreement, there will be direct flights from the US to Kenya.

Transport minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere said on Wednesday he had met US ambassador Michael Ranneberger in a bid to ensure the pact was not cancelled. He said the direct flights, initially meant to start early June, would be delayed.

Flower exporters had hoped to sell their produce directly to the US instead of the exports passing through Europe.

Requirements

“People should be understanding since all countries have specific requirements and we must fulfil the requirements of America’s aviation authorities,” said Mr Mwakwere.

He was speaking after launching a project to develop an improved railway passenger transport system for Nairobi at the Norfolk Hotel.

He said his ministry had initiated the idea of direct flights from major countries in the world and wanted them to start this month. Delta Airlines was supposed to make an inaugural flight from Atlanta, Georgia, to Nairobi, via Dakar, Senegal, on June 2.

However, the Kenya Airports Authority and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority are yet to fulfil security enhancements demanded by US authorities at the JKIA before the airline launches its services.

The US government on Wednesday pledged to boost security at the ports of Mombasa and Kilindini. This comes at a time piracy is on the rise in the Gulf of Aden.

It will install special equipment at the port of Mombasa that will scan all containers of any radioactive materials being smuggled into the country. Such materials can be used to manufacture a nuclear weapon or bomb.

Mr Ranneberger said: “Experts are scheduled to visit the country next week to conduct a detailed site survey of the port. We will work with the government to ensure the success of the programme at both port.” He was speaking during the signing of the agreement with Treasury in the city.