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Opinion: Who is Really Behind Kenya Airways’ Troubles?


Any minute now, Kenya Airways — known as KQ — could breathe its last. The Pride of Africa is on her knees. Teetering on the brink of death — a long, painful fatality.


Yet all the mandarins who should know — executives, board members, and ministry officials — have gone AWOL. Or simply wring their hands and helplessly feign powerlessness. They are all a futile impotent lot. Like others, I have watched in agony as the national carrier staggers to its certain demise. It’s clear former CEO Titus Naikuni — whom I had lauded once as a miracle worker — left behind a hulking carcass. As soon as he exited, KQ collapsed in a heap. Which begs the question — who, or what, is killing KQ?


Kenyans take a lot of pride in 254, the country code. KQ was a good projection of that pride. Let me tell an anecdote. For


Kenyans like me who live in North America, KQ has for decades been a visible sign of Kenya’s vitality. Even in the dark days of the single party, KQ stirred our hearts. It was at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, the European air transport hub, where we would connect with KQ on the last leg of our flight “home.” You would see the eager faces of Kenyans and other East Africans ready to board for Nairobi. There were no delays or cancellations. Even well-heeled American and European tourists were very happy with KQ. Now that’s changed.


On a recent jaunt to Nairobi, I approached a KLM agent at Schiphol for customer service. The Dutch agent’s — KLM handles KQ’s needs at Schiphol — spoken and unspoken responses said it all. Once I mentioned I was a KQ — and not KLM — passenger her demeanour completely changed. It was as though I had become a leper to be shunned and scorned. Without listening to my request, she dismissively said she couldn’t help me. I remonstrated with her for being unprofessional.


The thought she was a racist even crossed my mind. She patronising smiled at me and said she couldn’t help with any KQ request no matter what it was. I was stunned and flabbergasted. I asked for her manager. The manager was slightly better — but only slightly. She apologised for her colleague.


Read the full article here.

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Comments (25)

Guest
Sep 21, 2022

We just booked our QATAR 🇶🇦 HÔTEL yesterday for 2 différent short stars of 2 nights and 3 nights for the Final… https://www.14sb.com/fifa-world-cup-hotels.html . Not exactly cheap but ok price for 4.5 Stars luxury and in Doha Center City! Thanks and Good Luck everyone! Vamos MEXICO!

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Guest
Sep 30, 2022

Wow! Stunning! Hilton seems to be taking Africa by storm. Just a couple of years back, they opened the first ever in Eswatini.

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kasarokcaesar
Oct 24, 2022

Wonderful event and topics discussed, hopefully we see the manifestations in our African airline businesses in the nearest future. Kudos to you all.

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Guest
Nov 10, 2022

Hi, I'm Lucy. Please how do I embark on my travel/ tour business. I am newbie and help..

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Guest
Nov 18, 2022

Prices in the Sol Torremolinos Don Pablo are the same than two weeks ago.

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Guest
Dec 04, 2022

Good location astounding but the staffs are rude and they make me wait so long for the service. They charge me more than what is on the website and did not refund me the manager is not helping with the issue


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Guest
Dec 15, 2022

WoW. Amazing Review. 👍

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Guest
Jan 07, 2023

I spent the holidays here, I don't know why but during the holidays their reception smells like a piss Id rather not spend my special occasions here

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Guest
Aug 07, 2023
Replying to

Where is here.

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Guest
Jan 27, 2023

Thank you for sharing such a detailed review about ethiopian airlines in your post. I am an avid traveller and keep reading flight reviews to assess the options available. Your review particularly drew my attention because you have shared so many pictures to capture every aspect of the flight experience. It is a very nice effort.


More Info : https://www.cleartrip.ae/flight-booking/ethiopian-air-airlines.html

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Guest
Feb 27, 2023

I am really tempted to book the next ethiopian airlines ticket and relive your journey. The pictures shared with the post also reflect that you truly enjoyed the travel. Great post! I also like the fact that you have covered nuances about the food and entertainment service through the pictures. It helps people know what to expect on their travel by this airline.


More Info : https://www.cleartrip.ae/flight-booking/ethiopian-air-airlines.html


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