Kenya Airways' Green Gambit: How Homegrown SAF Could Reshape Africa's Aviation and Energy Landscapes

In the race to decarbonize global aviation, Kenya Airways (KQ) has emerged as an unlikely but formidable leader. The airline's pivot to homegrown sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is not merely a corporate sustainability play-it's a strategic gambit to position Kenya as a regional hub for green energy innovation. With Africa's aviation sector projected to double in size by 2035, according to the African Policy Roadmap, KQ's efforts to develop local SAF infrastructure could catalyze a wave of green investment, reshape regional energy value chains, and redefine the continent's role in the global net-zero transition.

A Regional Trailblazer: KQ's SAF Strategy and Partnerships

Kenya Airways' SAF ambitions are rooted in a dual focus on feedstock innovation and policy alignment. The airline has identified the country's coastal region as a prime location for cultivating SAF feedstock, leveraging its favorable climate and underutilized land to grow crops like jatropha and algae while repurposing agricultural waste and used cooking oil, according to an Econews report. This approach aligns with global best practices, as SAF produced from these materials can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, Econews noted.

But KQ's success hinges on collaboration. In October 2025, the airline partnered with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines to host a high-level roundtable in Nairobi, bringing together regulators, industry leaders, and international organizations like ICAO and IATA. The event resulted in a unified roadmap, a policy breakthrough that includes blending mandates, producer incentives, and infrastructure investments. As Zita Schellekens of Air France–KLM noted, "Africa's biomass potential is unmatched, but unlocking it requires harmonized policies and cross-border cooperation."

Green Investment Inflows: Scaling Production and De-Risking the Supply Chain

The financial stakes are enormous. Kenya requires a minimum investment of Sh30.45 billion ($235 million) to build biofuel facilities capable of meeting 15% of current jet fuel demand and 10% of projected 2030 demand, according to Business Daily. This includes constructing Hydrotreated Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) plants to produce up to 4,000 barrels per day of SAF. While SAF remains nearly four times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, Econews has reported that KQ's policy breakthroughs-such as tax breaks and standardized regulations-are designed to attract both domestic and international capital.

The Nairobi roundtable has already spurred interest from global investors. KQ's commitment to a 10% SAF blend by 2030, reported by Econews, coupled with Kenya's strategic infrastructure (including its existing petroleum pipeline network), positions the country as a low-risk entry point for SAF producers. According to 6W Research, these developments could unlock $2 billion in regional green investment by 2030, creating jobs in agriculture, logistics, and clean tech.

Reshaping Regional Value Chains: From Biomass to Green Aviation Hubs

The implications extend far beyond Kenya's borders. By leveraging its biomass resources and strategic location, the country could become a regional SAF hub, exporting both fuel and expertise to East and Southern Africa, a conclusion echoed by 6W Research. The Nairobi roundtable's emphasis on decentralized production-using local feedstock and small-scale facilities-aligns with Africa's need for inclusive, community-driven decarbonization, as highlighted by the policy breakthrough.

This shift could also disrupt traditional energy and transport value chains. For instance, Kenya's existing petroleum infrastructure could be repurposed for SAF blending and distribution, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. Meanwhile, the growth of SAF-related industries-such as waste oil collection and biofuel crop farming-could diversify rural economies and create new revenue streams for smallholder farmers, Econews has observed.

Risks and the Road Ahead

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. High production costs, limited feedstock scalability, and regulatory fragmentation across African countries could slow progress, as Econews has warned. However, KQ's partnership model-combining public-private investment, regional cooperation, and global best practices-offers a replicable blueprint. As Kenya Airways CEO Allan Kilavuka stated, "Sustainability isn't a choice for Africa's aviation sector-it's a necessity for long-term growth," a sentiment reported in the policy breakthrough coverage.

For investors, the key takeaway is clear: Kenya's SAF push is not just about reducing carbon emissions. It's about building a resilient, future-proof energy and transport ecosystem that aligns with global decarbonization goals while unlocking economic opportunities across the continent.