The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) and AA Kenya have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will enable KATA member travel agencies to offer International Driving Permits (IDPs) and Flight Delay Assistance (FDA) services to travellers, while giving members preferential rates on the products.
The partnership establishes a framework through which KATA members and their clients will access selected AA Kenya travel solutions, strengthening the range of services available through professional travel agencies and enhancing the overall travel experience for Kenyan travellers.
Under the agreement, KATA members will enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 10 per cent on AA Kenya’s International Driving Permit and Flight Delay Assistance services. The collaboration is expected to create additional value for travel agencies while making essential travel services more accessible to customers planning international trips.
AA Kenya Group Managing Director Francis Theuri said the partnership reflects the organisation’s commitment to making travel easier, safer and more rewarding for Kenyans.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to making travel easier, safer and more rewarding for Kenyans. By working closely with KATA and its extensive network of travel professionals, we are bringing essential travel solutions closer to customers while empowering travel agents with additional services to offer their clients,” he said.
KATA Vice Chairman Hamisi Hassan described the agreement as a significant step in strengthening the value proposition for the association’s members.
“This partnership is about creating greater value for our members and the travelling public. Today’s traveller expects more than ticketing. They want convenience, preparedness and peace of mind throughout their journey. We are continually equipping our members with practical solutions that enhance the customer experience while opening new business opportunities for travel agencies,” he said.
KATA Chief Executive Officer Nicanor Sabula said the collaboration aligns with the association’s commitment to equipping members with practical solutions that improve service delivery and competitiveness.
“KATA remains committed to building partnerships that strengthen the competitiveness of our members and elevate professional travel services in Kenya. This is a partnership that supports our members’ growth while ensuring travellers enjoy a smoother and more seamless travel experience,” he said.
As part of the partnership, KATA member travel agencies will now facilitate access to AA Kenya’s International Driving Permit, an official document that enables holders of valid Kenyan driving licences to drive legally in more than 150 countries when accompanied by their domestic licence. The permit is issued exclusively by AA Kenya and is widely required by travellers hiring vehicles or driving overseas for business or leisure.
Travellers will also be able to access AA Kenya’s Flight Delay Assistance service through participating KATA agencies. The service allows eligible passengers to receive complimentary airport lounge access when registered flights experience qualifying delays. Instead of waiting in crowded departure terminals, travellers can relax in airport lounges with access to refreshments, Wi-Fi and other amenities while awaiting updated departure times.
AA Kenya’s Flight Delay Assistance is managed through a dedicated mobile application that tracks registered flights in real time and automatically notifies travellers when they qualify for lounge access following eligible delays.
The partnership is also expected to increase awareness of both the International Driving Permit and Flight Delay Assistance among Kenyan travellers by integrating the services into the travel planning process. Clients booking their journeys through KATA member agencies will now be able to obtain information, apply for the relevant services and incorporate them into their travel arrangements before departure.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment by KATA and AA Kenya to strengthen Kenya’s travel ecosystem by providing travel professionals with innovative products that improve customer experience while creating additional value for both travel agencies and the travelling public.
