As a result of a deal between the two countries, direct flights between Kenya and the United States have been allowed now. This move is expected to enhance the tourism industry and exports to the US to a significant extent. Earlier last week, the transport ministers from both the countries signed an open skies deal in the United States.

Addressing a news conference, US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said, "Direct flights could facilitate the greater export of Kenyan flowers to the US market where there is a high demand."

Kenya is the largest exporter of flowers to Europe. Most notably, the horticulture sector of Kenya has earned the country 70.3 billion Kenya shillings (USD$1.09 billion) during last year alone. However, Kenyan flower exports to the US is in a negligible quantity. According to an official at the Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya, the direct flights between these two countries are likely to account for 2-5 percent of exports to US from Kenya.

The Kenya Tourist Board said that about 101,879 US tourists visited Kenya in 2007, which was an increase from 86,528 during the previous year. However, following the violent aftermath of disputed presidential elections last December, tourism took a hit.

Commenting on the possible outcome of the agreement, Ranneberger observed, "We think that in the next 12 months or so, the US can be the largest source country for tourists to Kenya if we can get direct flights underway."