A motion seeking to have Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and other Special Forces personnel given priority boarding on all local airlines is set to come up for debate in parliament.
The motion, sponsored by Lamu East MP Ruweida Obo has been slotted in Wednesday’s order paper.
It was first introduced on the floor of the House mid-last month.
Ruweda wants the Ministry of Transport to establish a boarding protocol such that all military and special forces including veterans are granted privilege to board local aircrafts before the general public.
She has argued that soldiers play an indispensable role in promoting and safeguarding national security and there is currently no token of appreciation to them.
“It is important to accord special privileges and honours to our military and veteran personnel, akin to the practice observed in other countries including being allowed to access services like banking hall and boarding of flights ahead of the general public,” the motion reads in part.
The legislator notes that members of the Forces face life-threatening risks as they carry out their duties to protect our citizens, particularly in high-risk and volatile areas.
She says such practice would not only instill a sense of pride among them but also enhance their morale and motivation thereby boosting their performance and commitment to our national security.
Ruweda avers that at the moment there exists no national policy or framework to facilitate the implementation of such a practice.
The United States and the UK are among the countries that currently give their veterans priority at airports when boarding flights to local destinations.
By Star