Malkia Strikers travel Ethiopian Airlines despite KQ deal
Kenya’s national women volleyball team departed for an international assignment in Cameroon on Thursday morning aboard Ethiopian Airlines, a month after the government announced a Sh4 billion deal enabling all national teams travel around the world exclusively via Kenya Airways.
This deal involving the national carrier was unveiled on by among other Sports Principal Secretary Kirimi Kaberia, KQ’s regional manager Grant Onyango plus various representatives from national federations.
“It’s (the deal) a major milestone on how we do sports in this country. It will help us save money and plan our travels which gives us measure of predictability as we move forward. Furthermore, our athletes will be greatly motivated to be carried by the national carrier,” Kaberia said on September 9.
CAMEROON BOUND
“We are proud to be working with the Ministry of Sports on this venture and believe it will make it easier for Kenyan sportsmen and women to travel. We also promise to deliver competitive fares,” Onyango said during the unveiling of the deal at the Ministry’s of Sports headquarters.
But alas, this doesn’t seem to be the case as yet.
Nairobi News has in its possession pictures of the the Cameroon bound Malkia Strikers aboard Ethiopia, even though Kenya Airways has direct flights from Nairobi to Douala.
In one of the photos, Malkia Strikers captain Mercy Moim is seen posing for a ‘selfie’ photo alongside centre blocker Edith Wisa.
That aside, the Malkia Strikers are not only widely tipped to defend their African title at the 14-team Africa Nations Championship in Cameroon, but also win one of the two slots for African teams at the World Championship in Japan.