President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday announced that he will gift two young innovative Kenyans tickets to the United States during the launch of direct flights from Nairobi to New York.
Through the Statehouse spokesperson Kanze Dena, Uhuru stated that the two Kenyans will be part of the team that will travel to New York during the official launch.
“In the coming days, the President will issue two complimentary tickets on the flight to young innovative Kenyan’s who will join the delegation of those who will fly the inaugural flight,” stated Kanze.
In August, JKIA achieved the last point departure status (LPD) that allows the airport to enable the direct flights.
The announcement preceded a day after talks between Uhuru and President Donald Trumpduring the President’s visit to the US.
Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Jonny Andersen stated that this was a huge step for Kenya in the aviation sector.
“This is a major achievement for Kenya as JKIA becomes one of the elite African airports to be certified as a last point of departure to the United States.
“JKIA is now poised to become the premier hub in Africa,” remarked Andersen.
The directs flights are termed as way to improve tourism and enhance mutual benefits between the two nations.