Four things Kenya and Africa should do to improve aviation sector

Last week, Kenya hosted the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). This conference was the first of its kind on the continent. The event brought together 850 participants from 87 countries, providing a global platform to not only discuss pressing aviation issues but also spotlight Kenya’s appeal as a premier tourist and investment destination. The conference brought to the fore several critical issues-some global, others more local-but all of them relevant to Kenya’s growing aviation sector. There were four major takeaways from the conference.

First is that ground handling must be valued as a core aviation function. This is because it is often perceived as less prestigious compared to careers in the cockpit or cabin yet it is an essential part of the aviation ecosystem. Whilst pilots and flight attendants ensure safety and comfort in the air, ground handlers guarantee safety on the ground and facilitate the smooth processing of passengers and cargo. From ramp operations to baggage and cargo handling, these roles are foundational.

Second, standardisation is critical for safety and efficiency. The IGHC raised concerns over the lack of uniform standards in ground handling operations. Although IATA introduced IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations in 2008-a globally recognised programme auditing ground service providers-its adaptation remains low, largely because certification is not mandatory. At airports like Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where more than five ground handling companies operate, differing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) create significant safety and coordination risks. Kenya urgently needs harmonised SOPs across all service providers, aligned with international best practices, such as those aligned with IATA’s Ground Operations Manual.

Third, workforce challenges require a rethink. Attracting and retaining skilled talent remains a persistent challenge, especially among younger generations. Some ground handling jobs can be monotonous and physically demanding presenting an unattractive proposition for Gen Z, who value purpose-driven and intellectually engaging roles. Automation of repetitive tasks can help reconfigure the workforce, allowing younger professionals to focus on more complex responsibilities. Interestingly, a plenary session revealed that Gen Z has the highest incidence of fraud in the airline industry, driven in part by their digital fluency. This highlights the need, not only for better training and design, but also for a more robust digital oversight.

Last are infrastructure deficits and their limitations of progress. Under-investment in airport infrastructure, especially in the Global South, continues to hinder operational efficiency and safety. Outdated ground handling equipment increases risk of breakdowns, delays and even accidents, with costly consequences.  More importantly, it makes it difficult to adopt transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence, which could significantly improve the passenger experience. Upgrading infrastructure must be a national priority if Kenya is to become a competitive aviation hub.

The IGHC offered Kenya and other African countries a rare chance to engage with global best practices in aviation. It also underscored the urgent need for regulatory reform, investment in technology and a cultural shift in how ground handling is perceived and managed. Kenya has the opportunity to lead the way in modernising and standardising ground handling operations, turning challenges into catalysts for innovation and growth. The opportunity lies before us. We mustn’t squander it.

Mr Khafafa is a public policy analyst