Dubai-based carrier FlyDubai successfully launched its Nairobi service last week, operating four weekly flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
But behind the celebratory arrival of the inaugural flight carrying 80 passengers lies an alleged bribery scandal that has triggered investigations in both Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and Principal Secretary Terry Mbaika, who heads the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, are at the center of allegations involving Sh100 million in payments allegedly linked to securing flight approvals for the airline.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Sonko claims he acted as an intermediary for FlyDubai, which sought expanded operations and landing rights at JKIA.
The former governor alleges that when he approached Mbaika with the airline’s request, she demanded Sh100 million in cash without requesting formal documentation or following standard procedures.
Sonko maintains he agreed to an initial payment of Sh50 million, which he says was collected by businessman James Mbaluka, allegedly acting on behalf of the PS.
The former governor claims he delivered approximately USD 400,000 in four nighttime installments at the Sheraton Hotel near JKIA.
However, sources close to the investigation dispute this account.
They claim the actual sequence of events began during an official trip by Mbaika to Dubai, where Sonko and Mbaluka allegedly followed her.
The trio then arranged a meeting with FlyDubai officials, during which the PS reportedly emphasized that any application would need to follow proper government procedures.
What happened next has become the crux of the scandal. Sources allege that Sonko subsequently forged a letter purporting to show government approval for FlyDubai to operate the Dubai-Nairobi route.
Armed with this fabricated authorization, the airline reportedly released another Sh50 million to Sonko.
FlyDubai then publicly announced on its website and through a press release that it would commence weekly flights to Nairobi beginning October 15.
The announcement blindsided Kenyan aviation officials, who had not authorized any such arrangement through official channels.
Sonko now alleges that after receiving the money, Mbaika and Mbaluka traveled to Dubai independently to negotiate directly with the airline, attempting to exclude him from the arrangement and claim sole credit for facilitating the route approval.
When he followed up, the former governor claims the PS denied any knowledge of the payments or prior discussions.
Mbaika has categorically denied receiving any money from Sonko, though she acknowledges that the former governor did approach her regarding assistance for the airline.
The scandal has strained diplomatic relations between Kenya and the UAE and caused significant embarrassment for FlyDubai, which has built its reputation on transparent business practices.
Both governments have launched investigations into the allegations.
Sonko claims to possess extensive evidence, including audio recordings of negotiations, video documentation of the alleged payments, and CCTV footage from the hotel where the transactions supposedly occurred.
He has indicated his readiness to present this material to President William Ruto.
Despite the controversy swirling around its entry into the Kenyan market, FlyDubai has pressed ahead with its operations.
The new Nairobi service complements the airline’s existing daily flights to Mombasa, which began in January 2024. The carrier now operates 12 destinations across Africa.
At the inaugural flight ceremony, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano praised the new route as a critical link between East Africa and a major global commercial hub.
She noted that Kenya welcomed over 42,000 visitors from the Middle East in 2024, representing a 15 percent increase from the previous year, with the UAE accounting for a significant portion of that growth.
FlyDubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith described the Nairobi launch as a major boost to trade and tourism for Kenya, expressing optimism about eventually increasing flight frequency to daily service for both Mombasa and Nairobi.
The airline became the fifth international carrier to launch new routes to Kenya this year, a development that tourism stakeholders have generally welcomed as vital for enhancing connectivity and supporting the country’s goal of attracting 5.5 million visitors by 2027.
However, the bribery allegations have cast a shadow over what should have been a straightforward commercial expansion.
The outcome of the ongoing investigations could have far-reaching implications not only for the individuals involved but also for Kenya’s efforts to position itself as a transparent and reliable destination for international aviation investment.
As both governments continue their inquiries, questions remain about how an airline announcement could proceed without proper regulatory approval, and whether systemic weaknesses in Kenya’s aviation licensing process allowed the alleged scheme to advance as far as it did.
The scandal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Kenya faces in combating corruption in high-value sectors, even as it seeks to expand its international partnerships and grow its economy through increased trade and tourism links.
