Air France-KLM Group has opened an office in Nairobi that will also serve as Africa’s headquarters for East, South, and West Africa.

Air France -KLM Group East, South, and West Africa Managing Director Marius Van Der said Nairobi’s choice was deliberate since Kenya is considered East Africa and Africa’s business gateway.

He noted that the decision of opening the new offices in Nairobi follows a restructuring exercise they finished in 2021.

“It reveals that the east African market that is traditionally managed in Nairobi has many similarities in terms of its competitive landscape,” Van said.

Air France-KLM Vice President (VP) Long-haul Zoran Jelkic noted that the company has a strong presence in Africa.


“We really believe in the potential of the growth of Africa. We will be committed to serving our beloved customers of the African continent,” said the VP.

On his part, Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen lauded the company for choosing Kenya as its headquarters on the African continent, assuring them of full government support.

“The air transport sector contributes 1.6 billion dollars to Kenya’s GDP and another 1.6 billion from tourists arriving in the country translates to 5% of the country’s GDP,” Murkomen said.

“Air France-KLM is a vital part of Kenya’s aviation sector as it provides critical connections that facilitate transportation of goods and people mostly from Europe and North America to Kenya,” the CS stated.