The National Assembly Committee on Transport and Infrastructure has recommended the government initiate diplomatic and financial interventions to release billions of shillings owed to Kenya Airways being held by various governments.
The committee in a report tabled to the House on November 5, 2026, warned that severe foreign exchange controls in key foreign markets threaten KQ's operational stability and violate bilateral aviation agreements.
The report reviewed by Kenyans.co.ke follows warnings that strict foreign exchange controls in several African and European nations are threatening the financial stability of the aviation sector.
MPs expressed concern that currency restrictions in partner states prevent airlines from repatriating ticket earnings, undercutting their ability to satisfy international debt, lease aircraft, and maintain routine flight operations.
According to submissions presented to Parliament, Kenya Airways continues to experience severe fund repatriation impasses in Ethiopia, Mozambique, and Malawi.
Industry lobby groups, including the Kenya Association of Air Operators and the African Airlines Association, informed lawmakers that blocked revenue delays extend to Algeria, Zimbabwe, and the Russian Federation.
Industry data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that global blocked airline funds rose to $1.3 billion through March 2026, with African nations accounting for $774 million (about Ksh100.6 billion in the current exchange rates), nearly 60 per cent, of the worldwide total.
