The Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO) has called on the government to re-invest revenues netted from aviation towards improving aviation infrastructure in the country.

KAAO chief executive Liz Aluvanze says billion collected by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority through fees and licenses would help in rehabilitating and maintaining existing infrastructure amid expenditure pressures facing the government.

“Governments around the globe have become more innovative in funding large aviation infrastructure projects through different financing mechanisms. The government should focus on investment in infrastructure that is both strategic and revenue generating,” said Aluvanze.

Among fees collected by KCAA include landing fees in major airport which depending on the weight of the aircraft can be as much as $180 and $30 for airstrips while inspection of an aircraft can attract a fee of up to $20,000.

This comes as KAAO and KCAA agree on the proposal to enhanced industry engagement rule making process which is expected to eliminate bureaucracies that is rife red tape was rife in the KCAA processes such as Certificate of Airworthiness renewal, AOC/AMO/ATO certificate renewal and aircraft inclusion.

KAAO chairman Mbuvi Ngunze said the inclusive engagement could lead to extra benefits for the air transport industry including increased collaboration in the rule making process as well as reduction in bureaucracy and red tape that continues to inhibit transparency and accountability.

“This engagement is a progressive move that will allow better engagement between KCAA and stakeholders, reducing friction that has existed for years. The outcome of the process should reduce surprises in regulations and amendments and simplify oversight by the regulator,” said Ngunze.

The airline operators also lauded the government’s efforts in automating KCA A process which Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar says will increase efficiency and transparency in Kenya’s aviation sector.

“The government has prioritised the delivery of services to all Kenyans including the aviation sector and as a Ministry we promise improved and efficient services going forward. We have heard your concerns, but as witnessed by this important forum, we are willing to come in as partners with the stakeholders as aviation is one of the biggest contributors to GDP and without which other areas such as tourism and trade cannot flourish,” added Daghar.