[The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). Photo: kahawatungu.com]

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It is good news for Kenyans after the US government granted the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Category One status.

This means that Kenyans flying to the country, will have direct flights.

A statement from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCA) indicated the move was a major milestone in the growth and development of civil aviation in Kenya, East Africa and the rest of Africa.

"The granting of this status means that airline operators in both Kenya and US, which have long desired to travel to/from the US, will now be allowed to carry their operations after certain processes, including technical operations and compliance are met,'' read the statement in part, Thursday.

With Category One, KCA said there will be faster movement of goods and people between the two countries, eradicating delays especially on horticultural produce from Kenya, and medicines.

"Kenya's leading carrier, the Kenya Airways and US's Delta Airlines, including other interested operators, shall now be able to fly directly from Kenya and vice versa,'' KCA added.

According to the Authority, Kenya scored 88 per cent in a security audit by the ICAO conducted between September 17-24, 2015, above the minimum 80 per cent, required mark.

This was after failing in previous audits where ICAO gave JKIA 78.42 per cent February last year, up from 66 per cent in 2013.

The move will also boost tourism.