The collaboration demonstrates our dedication to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of all travelers
Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya on a strategic partnership that will intensify the fight against trafficking in persons and enhance the protection of migrants.
The partnership represents a significant step towards ensuring the well-being and that the rights of migrants are upheld, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive society.
The collaboration brings together IOM- Kenya’s expertise in migration governance and KQ’s extensive aviation network, to implement “robust” measures that will identify, prevent, combat trafficking in persons and facilitate regular pathways.
KQ Group Managing Director and CEO Mr Allan Kilavuka said that the partnership is a testament to the commitment of both organizations to uphold human dignity and support the most vulnerable individuals on the move and promote regular pathways.
“The collaboration with IOM- Kenya demonstrates our dedication to corporate social responsibility and the well-being of all travelers. Together we will make a difference,” said Mr Kilavuka.
The KQ boss added; “we are committed to providing our staff with the necessary training and resources to assist migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations.”
Ms Dimanche Sharon, IOM Chief of Mission noted that the MoU marks a significant milestone in “our efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of migrants.”
“By joining forces with Kenya Airways, we can enhance our outreach and impact, ensuring that migration is safe and beneficial for all,” said Ms Sharon.
The initiatives under the MoU include training and awareness, policy development and information sharing.
Under training and development, the KQ staff will receive specialized training from IOM to recognize and respond to improve coordination to assist migrants in vulnerable situations.
The policy development initiative includes joint efforts that will be made to advocate for policies that create a safer travel environment and disrupt traffickers’ operations.
In terms of information sharing, a framework for sharing information between the airline and IOM will be established to facilitate timely interventions.
KQ, also known as the The Pride of Africa, is Kenya’s national carrier and a leading African airline on a mission to propel Africa’s prosperity by connecting its people, cultures, and markets.
KQ flies to 45 destinations worldwide, 37 of which are in Africa, connecting over 5 million passengers and over 70,000 tons of cargo annually through the Hub at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
As the sole African carrier in the SkyTeam Alliance, “we open up a world of possibilities for our customers, connecting them to over 1,060 destinations in 173 countries.”
“We take pride in offering a delightful flying experience with a caring African touch,” says Mr Kilavuka.
KQ’s exceptional African hospitality has consistently earned it global recognition including the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards where KQ was honoured with the Best Airline Staff and Best Airline Cabin Crew in Africa in 2024.
IOM Kenya delivers on the promise of migration by working with the Government of Kenya (GoK), development partners, private sector, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders to seize the opportunities and tackle the challenges of migration.
“IOM does this while supporting the transformative journeys of migrants, vulnerable communities and refugees,” says Ms Sharon.
Ms Sharon notes that IOM is committed to the principle that “humane and orderly migration” benefits migrants and society to save lives and protect people on the move, drive solutions to displacements and facilitate pathways for regular migration.