Page 7 - LUA March-April 2025

Infrastructure is a
significant barrier to
the free flow of goods
and services across
the continent.

HABIBA BEN BARKA
UN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

FPEAK is lobbying the government
to allow more foreign cargo carriers,
including Ethiopian Airlines, to operate
in Kenya and ease the freight bottleneck.
“We have pushed the government to
reduce landing costs at Jomo Kenyatta
International Airport (JKIA) to attract
more airlines, but progress has been
slow,” he said.
Jessie Brar-Patel, Chief Executive Officer,
Fresh Flow Logistics, pointed to Ethiopian
Airlines’ dedicated perishable cargo strategy
as a model Kenya should adopt. Ethiopia’s
national carrier has prioritised perishables,
ensuring stable freight rates and predictable
capacity. “In Kenya, we lack a cohesive
national air cargo strategy. Ethiopian Airlines
has given Ethiopian exporters a competitive
edge, whereas we’re still fighting for cargo
space every peak season,” Brar-Patel said.
She believes Kenya needs stronger
collaboration between policymakers,
airlines, and logistics providers. “We
need a long-term solution, whether it’s
government incentives for local carriers or
securing dedicated perishable freighters,”
she emphasised.
Adding to it, Lasitha Perera, Head of
Business Development & Commercial -
Perishables, EFL Global, said, “Growers are
investing significant money in production,
but the high cost of logistics is squeezing
their profit margins.”
To prevent such disruptions in the
future, SCEA is pushing for government
incentives to attract freighters back to
Nairobi, strengthening Kenya Airways’
cargo capacity to reduce reliance on
foreign airlines and improving planning

MARCH - APRIL 2025 LUA 5