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Kenya directs public servants to use national carrier

Xinhua, October 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's cabinet on Thursday directed all public servants traveling by air to use Kenya Airways, a move that will boost the national carrier's passenger numbers.

The cabinet also approved Fly Kenya Policy, which is aimed at ensuring that all government officials fly Kenya-registered carriers when traveling on official duty and whenever public funds are expended.

"In a move to support Kenya Airways, cabinet directed all public officers to use Kenya Airways while traveling outside Kenya on official duty," said a statement issued in Nairobi after the cabinet meeting.

If successful, the new policy could be a shot in the arm for the cash-strapped airline as it will rake in millions following increased trips by state agencies and delegations.

However, the cabinet urged the Kenyan-registered Airlines and particularly Kenya Airways to overhaul its services and offer internationally competitive services in all its departments, ranging from the pricing regimes to public relations and eliminating delays.

The statement comes after Kenya Airways announced Thursday its net loss for the six months to Sept. 30 stands at 50 million U.S. dollars, a 58.3 percent improvement from the 120 million dollars that the airline reported in a similar period last year.

The carrier's operating profit during the period improved by 20 million dollars boosted by an increase of 89,000 in passenger numbers to 2.23 million.

Kenya Airways will release its official results on Oct. 27. Endit