The Role of Civil Aviation in Promoting International Trade in Africa: a Case Study of Kenya Aviation Industry

Abstract

This study sought to determine the perceived influence of African civil aviation in promoting international trade. We argue that liberalization of African air transport will enhance connectivity, service quality, choice, and fair competitiveness in trade. Specifically, the study sought to determine the underlying factors influencing implementation of the Yamoussoukro Decision. It establishes policy challenges confronting Kenya’s civil aviation in the realization of the Yamoussoukro Decision. It also determines factors influencing full implementation of the safer skies policy in Kenya given benefits of air transport to the economy and international trade. The study depended on both primary and secondary data and employed a cross-sectional descriptive research design to examine the impact of civil aviation sector on the international trade in Kenya.The study utilized international trade and liberalization theory to assess the levels of perceived impact of liberalization of air transport services on international trade in Africa. The study findings are that, there are several factors, which hamper and influence Africa’s liberalization of air services that includes restriction of air services by some African countries, lack of implementation of the YD by some countries, failure to sign and ratify the Abuja treaty, unfair competition from booming international airlines as well as lack of harmonization of tax charges among others. The study recommends that in order to achieve a safe and secure oversight regime capable of facilitating international trade, the countries, which have not ratified the YD, should do so in order to enable realization of the open sky policy in Africa. Further, there is need to review the land use policy in and adjacent to designated aviation zone in order to prevent construction of buildings and infrastructures which could potentially obstruct aircraft maneuvers.