Kenya's aviation sector needs a strategic approach that prioritizes Kenya Airways as the anchor carrier for JKIA's connectivity, moving beyond a narrow focus on the airline's profitability.

• The article argues that Kenya is losing its status as East Africa's premier aviation hub due to shrinking aviation capacity and disappearing routes.
• Key organizations involved are Kenya Airways and JKIA (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport).
• The debate has historically been limited to whether Kenya Airways should be financially self-sufficient, overlooking its broader economic infrastructure role.