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The talks placed particular emphasis on attracting Turkish investment to Kenya, increasing bilateral trade and strengthening commercial links between enterprises in both countries
Speaking during a Media Breakfast Roundtable on the State of the Airline in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kamal said the airline’s biggest challenge in the first half of 2026 was not a lack of customers but insufficient aircraft available “at the right time and the right cost to serve the current demand”.
The government has not yet provided further details regarding the inaugural flight at the same time, criticism remains strong due to several previously failed claims by the government.
The service, launched on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, will operate four times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays — from Wilson Airport. The airline said fares will start from Sh9,000, with flights departing Nairobi at 11 am and arriving in Garissa at 11:50 am
According to KAA, the project will serve private jet owners, executive and charter flights, diplomatic missions, medical evacuation aircraft and other general aviation operators using JKIA.
According to Jambojet, the aircraft developed a system caution alert before takeoff, leading the flight crew to discontinue the departure in line with standard safety procedures.
The court scheduled the Jambojet case for hearing on July 29, 2026, while the Kenya Airways case will be heard on September 29, 2026. KAWU was also directed to file its responses before the hearing dates.
The passenger numbers come as the government steps up efforts to market Kenya as a safe, attractive and competitive destination for international visitors. Tourism officials say sustained arrivals reflect continued confidence among travellers and the resilience of the tourism sector
Preliminary figures from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) show that passenger traffic increased by one per cent during the period, rising from 12.955 million recorded a year earlier. The latest figures translate to about 145,000 additional travellers using Kenyan airports compared to the previous year.
In a customer update issued on Sunday, the national carrier said the decision to cancel the flight was made to prioritise the safety of passengers, crew and the aircraft.
The Irish airline said the proposal places about 290 head office positions, 140 cabin crew roles and 70 pilot jobs at risk. Aer Lingus currently employs about 6,000 people.
The national carrier said it will increase its Nairobi-Dubai schedule from seven flights a week to 14 beginning September 1, a move that comes at a time when competition on the route is rising following Emirates' decision to introduce a third daily service.