Breaking Barriers: Our Journey Towards Inclusive Aviation in Africa

At Kenya Airways, our commitment to accessibility extends far beyond the typical metrics of on-time performance and passenger numbers. As we reflect on our journey, we're proud of the strides we've made in ensuring that air travel is truly accessible to all – not just through our passenger services, but through workplace inclusion that has transformed our airline from within.

This commitment resonates particularly strongly with us this year as we celebrated the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) 20th anniversary. Their two decades of tireless advocacy have fundamentally changed how Kenya approaches disability inclusion, and we're proud to have been part of this transformative journey.

We've witnessed this transformation firsthand through our operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where wheelchair assistance requests have grown consistently by 5% year-over-year. This growth reflects both increasing mobility among differently abled persons and our improved accessibility services, mirroring a global trend that saw approximately 27 million passengers with disabilities take to the skies in 2019.

Nonetheless, we're honored to be the first airline in Africa to employ a crew member with albinism. This groundbreaking move not only challenges societal norms but also inspires countless individuals abled differently to pursue their dreams. By breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for all, we're setting a new standard for the aviation industry.

Our promise to accessibility begins within our own ranks. We've built an inclusive workplace where our employees abled differently are not just welcomed but empowered to thrive. From our customer service representatives to technical roles, our differently-abled staff members contribute their unique perspectives and skills across various departments. We provide necessary accommodations and support systems, ensuring every employee can perform at their best.

We've extended this commitment through our comprehensive staff training programs, which have reached over 60 of our executive committee members and department heads, more than 120 managers, and over 500 employees including our JKIA team from Eurocraft and Tradewinds. These initiatives ensure that every interaction, from booking to arrival, is handled with understanding and professionalism, informed by the perspectives of both our passengers and colleagues with disabilities.

Our dedication to accessibility is evident in our practical innovations. We've implemented video audio transcription and sign language capabilities in some of our aircraft, while regularly conducting accessibility audits of our facilities. These improvements, though significant, represent just the beginning of our journey toward broader transformation in African aviation.

We're particularly proud of our community initiatives. Our partnership with Joytown Secondary School has enabled us to provide 20 laptops and digital skills training to students with disabilities.

Through our Future Makers program, we're mentoring young people with disabilities, opening paths to careers in aviation and beyond.

Our commitment to economic inclusion takes many forms. We offer a 15% discount for inclusive conferences, and through our partnership with the Mastercard Foundation thought light for the world, we've welcomed eight differently abled interns, creating valuable pathways to professional development.

Looking ahead, we're not resting on our achievements. We're in the process of establishing a Passenger Accessibility Advisory Group to ensure our future improvements are guided by the very people we aim to serve. Our collaboration with Innovate UK startups and the Kenya Airports Authority promises to revolutionize airport navigation for passengers with disabilities.

For NCPWD, we're proud to see how their impact has helped shape Kenya's aviation sector. Their two decades of advocacy have created an environment where accessibility is not just an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of air travel. Our initiatives stand as a testament to this progress, showing how commercial aviation can embrace accessibility while maintaining operational excellence.

This transformation continues to unfold with each passing day. As Africa's aviation industry grows, we're committed to setting a powerful example for the continent, proving that when barriers fall, everyone soars higher.

While our journey toward fully accessible air travel may still have some distance to cover, we're committed to leading the way. Through continued collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, we're working to make the dream of truly inclusive aviation in Africa a reality. We thank our partners in the journey Sight Savers, NextStep Foundation, Value500 among others for walking with us.

At Kenya Airways, we believe that the sky belongs to everyone. Join us as we continue to break barriers and create an aviation industry that truly serves all.