Senate committee starts inquiry into KQ woes

The Senate select committee inquiring into the financial and management woes facing Kenya Airways (KQ) kicked off its sittings yesterday, hearing concerns of the officials of two unions representing the workers at the national carrier.

The committee chaired by Kisumu Senator Anyang' Nyong'o however conducted its sittings in camera, getting views from the officials of Kenya Airlines Pilots Association and those from the Cabin Crew and Allied Workers Union.

Nyong'o said they opted for a closed session at the request of the union officials, with a committee member disclosing to The Standard the unionists had expressed fears they could be victimised by the management if they disclose 'the rot' in the national carrier.

"We wanted the sessions to be open to the public but the union officials are worried that they will be punished if they are seen by the management as portraying the company's administration negatively," he said.

The sessions began even as the Senate called on interested persons and organisations to make any submissions they may have on the affairs of Kenya Airways.

Clerk of the Senate Jeremiah Nyegenye said the committee will hold public hearings today at Kenyatta International Convention Centre for those wishing to make oral submissions, while those with written memoranda are encouraged to send them to Parliament before Friday.

Nyong'o said they were mainly looking into KQ's leasing and buying of aircraft since 1996 and the role of the alleged off-shore companies in the investment affairs of the airline.

"The year 1996 is crucial to the committee because this was when the Government bailed the airline, granting it Sh6 billion. The company did very well thereafter under the watch of then Managing Director Davies (Brian) but unfortunately after some time, things changed for worse," said Nyong'o.

He said the committee, which has 90 days to file its report to the House, is also tasked to unmask the faces behind the alleged off-shore companies and their relationship with the management of KQ, for possible case of conflict of interests.

The committee was also tasked to look at the employment policies and practices of personnel including engineers, pilots, cabin crew and ground personnel.

Nyong'o said the committee is also tasked to establish the reasons for delayed and cancelled flights, their frequencies and magnitude of losses, noting these challenges were making the carrier lose business to competitors.