Competitiveness in the Kenyan domestic aviation market: an exploratory study
Date
2011-06
Authors
Ahamed, Mwangi Christopher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
A competitive transport service is essential for a country's participation in the domestic and
international commerce within the current global village arena. That while the economic
conditions in the Kenyan deregulated aviation markets are relatively well functioning, these
appear substantially different from the deregulated aviation markets of more developed
economies.
The commercial conduct of major players in the Kenyan aviation market and the infrastructure at
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), questions whether there is indeed real deregulation
and level playing field for all and potential earners in the Kenyan aviation market or the
presence and guidance of identifiable strategic moves in their operations.
Lessons from other countries and the advent established carriers to the Kenyan market, call for a
strategic re-orientation of the aviation market lest Kenyan operators despite the enviable
infrastructure and, geographical positioning are reduced to mere spectators in the dynamic
aviation arena.
This thesis seeks to explore, understand and identify probable obstacles to the competitiveness of
the Kenyan domestic aviation markets and assess the effect of their removal on airlines operating
in Kenya.
The research indicates that to be competitive and to be able to sustain her current regional hub
dominance status, the government, should and must enhance operational and regulatory
infrastructure, as a deliberate action to being competitive and build a sustainable aviation
industry that would take advantage of Kenya's geographical positioning. Kenyan aviation
players are also implored upon to revisit their operational and competitiveness if indeed they
wish to exploit and enhance their regional dominance more so in the current drive towards
globalisation and alliance formations. This status is neither permanent nor guaranteed.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Master in Business Administration Degree
Keywords
Aviation, competition, Domestic aviation, Kenya