Direct Nairobi-Riyadh flights to boost Kenya’s export earnings, bilateral ties

As Kenya’s exports continue to scramble for open markets in international markets, Kenyan farmers, particularly, could soon be recording increased incomes as the country taps the Gulf markets.

This development follows the launch of direct flights between Nairobi and Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the first direct flights between the two cities, which commence on Thursday, October 2.

Over time, Kenyan exporters have been lamenting freight charges and the distance factor, which had been largely fronted by long routes that involved connecting different airlines to access the Gulf market, a situation that significantly affected their income levels.

Kenya exports products such as tea, coffee, flowers, and fresh produce to Saudi Arabia, while Saudi Arabia supplies oil, petrochemicals, and manufactured goods to Kenya.

Speaking during the unveiling of Flynas, the Middle East's low-cost airline, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Board Chairman Caleb Kositany emphasised the importance of the initiative, praising the collaboration between Kenya and Saudi Arabia in boosting trade and tourism.

‘‘Nairobi is a favourite destination, and we intend to fully capitalise on that. We have ambitious plans to upgrade infrastructure at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and other airports across the country to make Kenya more competitive regionally and globally,” Kositany said.

“We welcome all partners who are keen to do business with us.”

With a capacity of more than 170 seats, the airline will be flying three times a week, making Nairobi the fifth Sub-Saharan city that the Saudi airline will be flying to after Addis Ababa, Djibouti, Asmara (Eritrea) and Entebbe (Uganda).

The direct link seeks to cut travel times, facilitate faster deals, and provide a stronger platform for partnerships across agriculture, energy, finance, and tourism sectors.

Former Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, who also attended the unveiling ceremony, said the initiative is expected to boost Kenya’s overall economy by generating more job opportunities, fueled by increased trade and higher remittance inflows.

Saudi Arabia, according to him, is the second largest source of remittances after the US and a consumer of Kenyan labour.

“I see increased movement of agricultural products from Kenya to Saudi Arabia, and enhanced employment opportunities for Kenyans. This connection also opens up easier travel for religious pilgrims,” Kuria said.

“Saudi Arabia is Kenya’s second-largest source market after the United States, and this partnership will strengthen tourism exchange, improve mobility for investors and business people, and attract even more capital into our economy.”

Flynas being listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange is also a sign of confidence and stability, he added in part.

Stefan Magiera, the Chief Commercial Officer at Flynas, reaffirmed the airline’s long-term commitment to Africa, emphasising the strategic importance of Kenya as a key gateway in the region.

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“This new route marks the beginning of stronger diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Saudi Arabia. It opens fresh opportunities for travellers in Kenya and will contribute to increased tourism from Saudi Arabia into the country,” Magiera said.

“Kenya is not just a destination, it is a partner in our broader vision for growth across Africa.”

Furthermore, the initiative is backed to align with the country’s projections of increasing tourism arrivals to three million.

Tourism arrivals in 2024 rose to 2.4 million, generating over Sh350 billion in revenue, according to the sector data.