Reducing Aviation's Carbon Footprint with Local SAF
By leveraging Kenya’s existing energy infrastructure, Kenya Airways aims to increase access to more affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airlines operating across the continent. This approach not only reduces emissions from both fuel production and transport, but also minimizes the environmental impact of importing SAF from distant locations. Additionally, it helps establish a reliable, sustainable fuel source for African carriers. A critical component of this effort is the development of supportive national policies. In 2024, Kenya Airways played a leading role in forming the National SAF Committee, tasked with reviewing and updating Kenya’s renewable energy policies to formally include SAF. This initiative is designed to secure long-term government support, enabling SAF adoption at scale throughout Kenya and potentially across the wider region. Developing a Sustainable SAF Supply Chain Kenya Airways is approaching SAF development holistically, ensuring both fuel production and feedstock cultivation align with long-term sustainability goals. Key elements of this strategy include: Use of Nonagricultural Land Former mining areas and degraded land are being repurposed for energy crop cultivation, avoiding competition with food production. Environmental Restoration Planting SAF feedstocks on barren land supports reforestation, improves soil health, and contributes to greater biodiversity. Local Production Partnerships Kenya Airways is collaborating with domestic SAF producers, offering technical, market, and regulatory support to ensure fuel is produced efficiently and sustainably. International Certification Compliance In partnership with ICAO, IATA, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways is ensuring that locally produced SAF meets international aviation standards—laying the groundwork for wider adoption across Africa.
By leveraging Kenya’s existing energy infrastructure, Kenya Airways aims to increase access to more affordable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for airlines operating across the continent. This approach not only reduces emissions from both fuel production and transport, but also minimizes the environmental impact of importing SAF from distant locations. Additionally, it helps establish a reliable, sustainable fuel source for African carriers. A critical component of this effort is the development of supportive national policies. In 2024, Kenya Airways played a leading role in forming the National SAF Committee, tasked with reviewing and updating Kenya’s renewable energy policies to formally include SAF. This initiative is designed to secure long-term government support, enabling SAF adoption at scale throughout Kenya and potentially across the wider region. Developing a Sustainable SAF Supply Chain Kenya Airways is approaching SAF development holistically, ensuring both fuel production and feedstock cultivation align with long-term sustainability goals. Key elements of this strategy include: Use of Nonagricultural Land Former mining areas and degraded land are being repurposed for energy crop cultivation, avoiding competition with food production. Environmental Restoration Planting SAF feedstocks on barren land supports reforestation, improves soil health, and contributes to greater biodiversity. Local Production Partnerships Kenya Airways is collaborating with domestic SAF producers, offering technical, market, and regulatory support to ensure fuel is produced efficiently and sustainably. International Certification Compliance In partnership with ICAO, IATA, and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Kenya Airways is ensuring that locally produced SAF meets international aviation standards—laying the groundwork for wider adoption across Africa.People
Wakina MutembeiSustainability LeadKenya Airways