Tag Archives: Nairobi

Etihad Airways Restarts UAE-Kenya Flights: Boosting Tourism

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A few weeks into the resumption of Etihad Airways’ direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, the positive impact on regional connectivity and tourism is becoming increasingly evident. After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Etihad has reestablished this crucial air link, operating four weekly flights with its Airbus A320. The airline’s commitment to enhancing economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Kenya is already bearing fruit, with heightened travel activity and renewed interest in the bustling routes between these vibrant cities. This strategic move not only reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s status as a global aviation hub but also provides a significant boost to Kenya’s growing tourism sector, which is key to the country’s economic resurgence.

Business Daily Africa Report

The timing of Etihad’s relaunch synchronizes perfectly with Kenya’s burgeoning tourism industry, which is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of welcoming five million visitors in the near future. This development complements Kenya Airways’ forthcoming direct flights from Nairobi to London Gatwick, beginning in July 2025, thereby positioning Nairobi as a pivotal axis for international travel. With accessible routes now open to travelers from the UAE and soon from the UK, Kenya stands ready to offer its rich tapestry of experiences—from the iconic Great Migration in the Maasai Mara to the tranquil sands of Diani and Lamu. The country’s diverse attractions are drawing international tourists eager to explore its natural beauty and vibrant culture, confirming Kenya as a must-visit destination.

Etihad’s return to Nairobi has also spurred significant employment opportunities locally, with the airline actively recruiting Kenyan crew members and pilots. This initiative is in line with the Kenyan government’s objectives to create jobs and enhance economic growth, further underscoring the importance of strong international partnerships. As these new flight routes gain momentum and more visitors flock to Kenya, the increasing air traffic through Nairobi is set to solidify the city’s role as a major travel and commerce hub in sub-Saharan Africa. The ongoing enhancements to both Etihad’s and Kenya Airways’ international networks are not only connecting travelers to unforgettable African adventures but also weaving Nairobi into the broader tapestry of global travel destinations.

References:

The Standard Etihad launches direct flights between Nairobi and Abu Dhabi

AirlineGeeks Etihad Relaunches Nairobi Service

ARGS Etihad Airways opens a new gateway to Kenya with launch of Nairobi flights

Business Daily Etihad Airways postpones return of Abu Dhabi-Nairobi flights

The Kenyan Wall Street Etihad Airways Extends Suspension of Scheduled Flights

Reuters Etihad Airways flights suspended due to coronavirus












Explore Kenya: New Direct Flights from Nairobi to London

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Kenya Airways’ new direct flights from Nairobi to London Gatwick, launching on July 2, 2025, offer UK travelers not only convenient access to East Africa but also an invitation to experience Kenya’s world-class tourism. The route, operating three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, ensures a premium travel experience with 30 business class and 204 economy class seats. The flights are perfectly timed for traveler convenience, departing Nairobi at night on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with morning arrivals at Gatwick. Return flights from Gatwick depart during the day on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. And with return tickets starting at approximately £720, exploring Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes has never been more accessible.

A nice review of the Boeing 787-8 dreamliner by Dave Mani

Kenya is a land of wonders, offering travelers unforgettable experiences in every corner. As the home of safari tourism, the country is globally renowned for its majestic wildlife encounters, including the awe-inspiring Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. For those seeking tranquility, the sun-kissed beaches of Diani and Lamu provide luxurious coastal retreats, while thrill-seekers can hike the rugged trails of Mount Kenya or indulge in thrilling water sports along the Indian Ocean. Kenya’s cultural vibrancy adds depth to its beauty, with its rich traditions, local cuisines, and the renowned warmth of its people ensuring every traveler feels welcome. With seamless connections from Gatwick to Nairobi and an extensive network across sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya Airways opens the door not only to Kenya’s treasures but to Africa’s diverse destinations.

The addition of Gatwick to Kenya Airways’ UK operations reflects the airline’s vision of positioning Kenya as a premium travel destination for the global market. The new service increases London connectivity to 10 weekly flights, complementing the existing daily Heathrow service. As Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, highlights, Kenya is not just a destination but a gateway to unforgettable adventures, whether you’re seeking luxury, exploration, or cultural immersion. With direct flights, affordable fares, and an optimized schedule, it has never been easier for UK travelers to answer the call of Kenya. Let this new chapter in connectivity be your gateway to an extraordinary African journey.

References:

ATTA Kenya Airways announces new direct flights between Nairobi and London Gatwick

Kenya Airways Kenya Airways Announces New Route, Nairobi to Gatwick Direct Flights Beginning July 2025

KATA Kenya Airways announces new route, Nairobi to Gatwick direct flights beginning July 2025

MSN Kenya Airways Announces New International Route From Nairobi

Capital Business KQ to launch second London flight hub at Gatwick in 2025

NAIROBI | Graffiti framing Public Opinion

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On the City Market wall facing Muindi Mbingu Street, are drawn rare graffiti with a political message for the electorate: “be wise and choose only leaders with the interest of the nation ahead of their own.”

Abel and Buckley (1997) looked at the “writing of graffiti as a psychological phenomenon, a form of communication that is both personal and free of everyday social restraints that normally prevent people from giving uninhibited reign to their thoughts.” [Looking at the Writing on the Wall: A Critical Review and Taxonomy of Graffiti Texts, Jane M. Gadsby (1995)] Habitually, a similar attitude is engendered by the anonymous graffiti artists, in the “City in the Sun.” One such artist exhibits “the reminiscences of a greedy politician…” Daily Nation reported. Chronic poverty and unemployment as well as the epic struggles and conditions of a country’s marginalized people are touted as the main engines that fuel graffiti culture. But is that all there is to it? It has been found out before that”Mainstream media will never say a word of truth…” Thus graffiti is now being used as an alternative channel to the mainstream media, to disseminate the true information, which often was kept back by the latter.” It has thence, been confirmed that somehow, it succeeds in getting the message through to the masses. One professor of English pointed out that “graffiti has played a significant role in framing and times changing public opinion.”

Whether or not graffiti is considered as a medium of revolt against the authorities, or just as a channel for self expression, what is depicted is in clear print, a true and faithful reflection of a people’s attitudes toward a non-yielding system on the one hand, and on the other, a call to action by the ‘infringed’. In a nutshell, thoughts become things.

 

References:

Writing’s on the wall for greedy MPs Daily Nation March 4, 2012

Looking at the Writing on the Wall: A Critical Review and Taxonomy of Graffiti Texts Jane M. Gadsby (1995)

Graffiti: Expression Unadulterated Irfan Muzaffar Parray

 

 

COCA-COLA | Going juicy!

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With the intent of expanding production capacity and diversify into other product ranges, coca-cola will invest 5 billion shillings in Kenya over the next three years. The firm’s East  Africa general Manager Mr. Peter Njonjo said that the juice market has a huge market potential and hence contracted about 37,000 farmers to grow mangoes and passion fruits for the company. The firm seeks to start manufacturing juice products in addition to the soft drinks. He stated that some of the investments would go to improving the beverage services plants in Nairobi and Kisumu. To their benefit, this investment will provide a ready and steady market as well as a source of raw materials.

This is good news for the farmers, consumers, as well as the company. This is because farmers will share profits and incur less loss because of the subsidized cost in terms of farming expenditures. The farmers will also have an increase of income. If the materials are available locally, the company will experienced decreased cost of production which is good news for the consumers as the products will be purchased at cheaper prices.

This gesture will contribute greatly to economic growth of Kenya. The choice of investing in farmers will increase the national income and therefore generate more revenue for the country. Farmers will also have a feeling of security. Thumbs up to Coca-cola company as this is directly giving back to society. Farmers are also encouraged to take this opportunity to improve their income.

References:

Coca Cola to invest Sh5 billion in Kenya to grow its product range

Unexploded Ordnance Kills Five Children

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Four children aged between six and twelve were killed on Sunday following a fatal detonation of what has since been said to be an anti-personnel bomb. A fifth child involved in the same incident succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital. The explosion occurred 25 kilometers north of Ngong Town, while the five youngsters were out grazing cattle in Ole Maroroi village, Ewaso Kedong.

Police have revealed that the bomb was an unexploded munition from the nearby Ngong Range, used for training by the military and police. This incident is related to similar accidents reported in Samburu, where there have been explosives left behind after military training sessions by the local and military personnel from Britain. News From Africa reported that, “more than 200 accidents have been recorded in the area where the British forces have been carrying out exercises.” Unexploded ordnances, sometimes brightly coloured, are compared to toys that attract children. These unexploded ordnances are “explosive weapons (bombs, bullets, shells, grenades, land mines, naval mines, etc.) that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation…”- Wikipedia.org. Human Rights activists have indicated that, “one in four casualties resulting from sub-munition that fail to explode on impact are children who often pick up and play with the explosive canisters…” UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon spoke of “not only the world’s collective revulsion at these abhorrent weapons, but also the power of collaboration among governments, civil society and the UN to change attitudes and policies on a threat faced by all humankind”, referring to his contribution as the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Dublin, entered into force.httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p82jNCJNlk Kenya signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) in Oslo, Norway in December 2008 to express her “commitment to support efforts aimed at limiting the indiscriminate effects to civilians of Cluster Munitions as areas affected are not suitable for economic development and growth.” However, Kenya has not yet ratified the treaty. The Attorney General’s office alleges that competing priorities have stalled the process, and that ratification of the treaty in Kenya requires approval by the cabinet. Nobel peace prize winner Jody Williams called the convention “the most important disarmament and humanitarian convention…”

Capital FM website reported on May 9th that, Military Spokesman Bogita Ongeri was “non committal when asked if families of the children killed will be compensated by the Department of Defense.” The government should speedily ratify the CCM such that Kenya joins other States Parties who have “resolved to do their utmost in providing assistance to Cluster Munition victims, including medical care, rehabilitation and psychological support, as well as providing for their social and economic inclusion.”httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlcGHj5sosY&feature=player_embedded#at=25

 

References:

Tragedy as four boys are killed in bomb blast DAILY NATION May 11th,2011

Military on the Spot over Death of Five Boys News From Africa May 10th,2011

KENYA’S RESPONSE TO THE UNITED NATIONS SECRETARY
GENERAL’S REQUEST FOR VIEWS ON INTERRELATION
BETWEEN ARMED VIOLENCE AND DEVELOPMENT Google Docs (as of) May 11th,2011

Kenya Cluster Munition Ban Policy Landmine & Cluster Munition Monitor (as of) May 11th,2011

DIPLOMATIC CONFERENCE FOR
THE ADOPTION OF A CONVENTION
ON CLUSTER MUNITIONS Google Docs (as of) May 11th,2011