Speaking at the sixth Africa Civil Aviation Air Navigation Services Conference in Mombasa recently, Balala said: “We are developing a strategy to encourage low-cost carriers from the UK to fly here. I will be looking to start discussions with Ryanair and easyJet.”

Balala noted the UK was Kenya’s second-largest source market, after the US. In October, national carrier, Kenya Airways, will launch direct flights between New York and Nairobi, servicing the US tourist market.

He added that the country had projeacted a climb in visitor numbers this year, boosted by improved security and infrastructure, including a new rail service.