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Kenya's New Security Bill Threatens Aircraft Spare Parts Pipeline

Kenya's proposed Strategic Goods Control Bill has sparked concern among freight forwarders over potential delays to time-critical aircraft component shipments. Kenya Airways cautioned parliament in May that additional licensing and approval requirements could slow aviation parts clearance, jeopardizing rapid maintenance operations. The airline maintains that aircraft components already comply with strict international safety protocols and warrant exemptions or expedited processing under the new legislation. The bill aims to strengthen controls over strategic and dual-use goods consistent with non-proliferation commitments, establishing licensing and oversight mechanisms for designated items. For regional air cargo operators, the primary concern centers on aircraft-on-ground situations requiring next-flight-out deliveries within hours. DHL Global Forwarding, a major East African forwarder, underscored aviation logistics' importance to regional operations. Pramod Bagalwadi, CEO East Africa, noted that the company handles engine components for the national carrier, often in aircraft-on-ground situations where operational downtime is costly. Additional border procedures could compromise operational efficiency in these time-sensitive scenarios.