Kenya Airways (KQ) has signed a partnership agreement with tech giant Safaricom aimed at driving innovations that will enhance the airline’s operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity and elevate the customer experience.

KQ and Safaricom will focus on enhancing connectivity, in-flight Wi-Fi, infrastructure inspection, security surveillance, loyalty programmes, data science, software development and aviation innovation in areas such as agriculture.

“The Kenya Airways collaboration with Safaricom is a testament to the power of co-creation. By harnessing our combined expertise we are not only addressing today’s challenges but also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity and transformative innovations that will benefit our customers and communities for years to come,” said Fredrick Kitunga, KQ’s Chief Information and Data Officer.

The companies will also collaborate in developing and implementing Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for warehousing, baggage tracking, aircraft materials and ULD to cover tracking, location, reconciliation and stock-taking.

The agreement solidifies Safaricom’s commitment to providing a transformative experience for customers and connecting people in new and innovative ways, according to Cynthia Kropac, Head of Business at Safaricom. “By leveraging our respective strengths – Kenya Airways in providing safe journeys and Safaricom in cutting-edge communications and technology – we ensure that our customers remain seamlessly connected throughout their travels.”

KQ’s Fahari Innovation Hub is a one‐of‐a‐kind centre of aviation innovation excellence in Africa that facilitates creative and collaborative ways of providing much‐needed solutions to business problems. The hub provides strategic innovation management offering opportunities for co-creation, networking, research and learning. It is also a springboard for new ideas and innovations that help communities and the continent address current and future challenges.