diff --git a/jupyter_client/kernelspecapp.py b/jupyter_client/kernelspecapp.py
index 9d98e41e1..da310d3be 100644
--- a/jupyter_client/kernelspecapp.py
+++ b/jupyter_client/kernelspecapp.py
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ def start(self):
         if missing:
             self.exit("Couldn't find kernel spec(s): %s" % ", ".join(missing))
 
-        if not self.force:
+        if not (self.force or self.answer_yes):
             print("Kernel specs to remove:")
             for name in self.spec_names:
                 print("  %s\t%s" % (name.ljust(20), spec_paths[name]))