Details: Ruto To Speak At 800-Person Global Aviation Event In Nairobi

President William Ruto is set to feature as a guest speaker at the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi, close to two months after his Cabinet confirmed that Kenya would play host to the event.

According to a press release sent to Viral Tea, Ruto is expected to address delegates at the conference alongside Willie Walsh, IATA Director General and Allan Kilavuka, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of national carrier, Kenya Airways (KQ).

"Kenya Airways (KQ) is set to make history as it hosts the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi from May 13 to 15, 2025—the first time the prestigious event lands on African soil," the statement read in part.

Poster of the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). /IATA

"This landmark moment highlights Africa’s growing influence in global aviation and Kenya’s emergence as a key regional hub. The conference, themed "Elevate", will focus on modernizing operations, investing in workforce development, and fostering greater industry collaboration to enhance aviation performance."

Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka emphasized the significance of the event, stating KQ's honour in pioneering this landmark event as Africa’s aviation leader.

"Hosting IGHC in Kenya aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. It also reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry—both domestically and continentally—to unlock prosperity and connectivity," he noted.

IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh underscored the critical role of ground handling, noting: “Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is 'elevate”.

"We’ll be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector.” “That means modernizing operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth even more efficiently,” Walsh further highlighted.

What to Expect at IGHC 2025

The conference will feature cutting-edge discussions on:

1. Ground Operations – Advances in hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) and standardized safety training
2. Baggage Handling – Real-time tracking, electronic bag tags, and next-gen messaging standards
3. Collaboration & Innovation – Public-private partnerships, regulatory improvements, and seamless airport-handler coordination

Additionally, the event will reinforce IATA’s Focus Africa initiative, aimed at accelerating sustainable aviation growth across the continent.

The IGHC is expected to be attended by over 800 delegates, including key airline decision-makers. Those attending can also expect unique business,​ networking, and branding opportunities, exclusive access to industry intelligence and the latest industry developments and one-to-one meetings in the BizZone.

Attendees will meet stakeholders consisting of 30 percent airlines, 60 percent ground service providers and airports, 10 percent manufacturers and solution providers, as well as 50 percent top management and 50 percent middle management.

Why It Matters

This conference cements Kenya’s position as a leader in aviation innovation, attracting global stakeholders to discuss the future of ground handling.

It’s a defining moment for Africa’s aviation sector, one that signals a new era of progress, investment, and industry transformation.