Githunguri Member of Parliament Gathoni Wamuchomba has raised concerns over Kenya Airways’ handling of export cargo, warning that high charges and limited capacity are placing unnecessary strain on exporters and contributing to a worrying decline in key export sectors.
In a statement shared on X on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, the legislator questioned the national carrier’s role in supporting Kenya’s export-driven economy, particularly at a time when farmers and traders are grappling with rising production costs, shrinking margins and reduced access to international markets.
Wamuchomba noted that despite Kenya’s heavy reliance on air transport for perishable exports such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat, Kenya Airways handles only a small fraction of the country’s export cargo.
She argued that this mismatch between demand and capacity has exposed exporters to high costs and limited options.
According to the MP, the national carrier currently transports roughly 15 per cent of Kenya’s air export cargo, leaving the bulk of producers dependent on foreign airlines or private cargo operators.
According to the MP, the national carrier currently transports roughly 15 per cent of Kenya’s air export cargo, leaving the bulk of producers dependent on foreign airlines or private cargo operators.
She questioned why, despite the clear demand, there has been no decisive move to expand cargo capacity through the acquisition of dedicated freight aircraft.
“Even with more than 70 per cent of our export cargo not factored into KQ’s capacity, there still seems to be no urgency to invest in a cargo plane,” Wamuchomba said.
She argued that the shortage of space has created conditions that allow cargo charges to rise sharply, with exporters bearing the brunt of the situation.
“Even with more than 70 per cent of our export cargo not factored into KQ’s capacity, there still seems to be no urgency to invest in a cargo plane,” Wamuchomba said.
She argued that the shortage of space has created conditions that allow cargo charges to rise sharply, with exporters bearing the brunt of the situation.
According to Wamuchomba, agents have taken advantage of limited space to impose what she described as excessive and unpredictable fees, further squeezing farmers and exporters who already operate on thin margins.
The legislator suggested that the scarcity of cargo space may not be accidental, saying the situation appears to benefit intermediaries at the expense of producers.
The legislator suggested that the scarcity of cargo space may not be accidental, saying the situation appears to benefit intermediaries at the expense of producers.
She warned that if left unaddressed, the issue could undermine Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.
“Exporters are being punished by a system that thrives on artificial scarcity,” she said.
“Exporters are being punished by a system that thrives on artificial scarcity,” she said.
“Those who produce the goods are paying the highest price.”
Wamuchomba contrasted Kenya Airways’ approach with that of several foreign carriers operating in the region, noting that airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Air France and Air Arabia have offered exporters more flexible cargo options at comparatively lower costs.
Wamuchomba contrasted Kenya Airways’ approach with that of several foreign carriers operating in the region, noting that airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Air France and Air Arabia have offered exporters more flexible cargo options at comparatively lower costs.
She said these airlines have been quicker to absorb surplus cargo, helping exporters move their products efficiently to key markets.
The MP argued that the growing preference for foreign carriers raises uncomfortable questions about the competitiveness of the national airline and its alignment with national economic priorities.
She also linked cargo constraints to the reported decline in flower exports, one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners.
The MP argued that the growing preference for foreign carriers raises uncomfortable questions about the competitiveness of the national airline and its alignment with national economic priorities.
She also linked cargo constraints to the reported decline in flower exports, one of Kenya’s top foreign exchange earners.
According to Wamuchomba, the drop in flower exports to Europe in 2025 should serve as a red flag for policymakers, particularly given the sector’s importance to employment and rural livelihoods.
“I am still struggling to understand why fresh flower exports to Europe dropped by about 40 per cent in 2025,” she said, adding that leadership in the trade and transport sectors must take responsibility for addressing systemic bottlenecks.
Wamuchomba’s remarks come amid broader concerns from exporters over logistics costs, reliability of cargo schedules and access to affordable air freight.
“I am still struggling to understand why fresh flower exports to Europe dropped by about 40 per cent in 2025,” she said, adding that leadership in the trade and transport sectors must take responsibility for addressing systemic bottlenecks.
Wamuchomba’s remarks come amid broader concerns from exporters over logistics costs, reliability of cargo schedules and access to affordable air freight.
Industry players have repeatedly warned that without reforms in cargo handling and investment in infrastructure, Kenya risks losing market share to regional competitors.
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