A comprehensive report detailing the condition of all light aircraft used by aviation training centres across the country is expected to be tabled in Parliament next week, as lawmakers raise concern over the recent rise in air accidents.
Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula directed the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to provide detailed answers on the safety of the light aircraft commonly used for local flight training.
A chopper accident in the past.
Photo credit: Photo | Pool
The directive follows a question raised on the floor of the House by nominated MP Umulkher Harun, who expressed concern over the safety of aircraft operated by aviation training institutions in Kenya.
The committee, chaired by Ndia MP George Kariuki, is expected to present a comprehensive report on the condition of light aircraft used in training centres across the country.
According to the Speaker’s directive, the report should include details on the frequency and adequacy of inspections for both aircraft and airstrips to ensure the safety of student pilots and instructors.
The committee is also expected to outline measures implemented by the Ministry of Roads and Transport to designate alternative training airstrips—preferably in open spaces that are free from obstacles and far from densely populated urban areas.
Further, the committee will detail the steps being taken by the ministry to review and strengthen policies, regulations, and legislation aimed at improving aviation safety standards in the country.
Ms Harun’s request for the statement was prompted by the increasing number of light aircraft accidents witnessed in Kenya in recent years.
“These accidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced oversight and safety measures within aviation training institutions. Hon. Speaker, it is against this background that I request a statement from the Chairman of the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure,” Ms Harun said.
Over the past two years, the country has recorded a worrying rise in aviation accidents, many involving aircraft from local flight training schools.
For instance, in January this year, a light aircraft identified as 5Y-CDC crash-landed into a building in Malindi, killing three civilians on the ground. The plane, which was on a routine training flight, reportedly developed a technical fault before crash-landing along the Malindi–Mombasa Highway and bursting into flames upon impact.
Two months later, in March, another training aircraft from the Kenya Flying School crashed in Voi while attempting to land at Ikanga Airstrip, killing a 20-year-old student pilot. According to an incident report by the Kenya Airports Unit, the student, who held a Private Pilot Licence, had been dispatched for a cross-country flight to Tsavo and was expected to return to Malindi.
Relatives and friends of the victims of the Lake Nakuru chopper crash wait on the shores of the lake on November 3, 2017.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Other incidents include the crash-landing of aircraft 5Y-FSA in a field near Oletepes in November 2024, and aircraft 5Y-PSG in Nairobi National Park in September 2024.
One of the most devastating accidents occurred in March 2024, when a mid-air collision between a Safarilink Aviation flight and a Cessna 172 operated by a flying school resulted in the deaths of both the student pilot and the instructor.
According to the incident report, the Cessna C172M, operated by Ninety-Nines Flying School, had taken off from runway 07 of Wilson Airport on a VFR circuit training flight, while the Bombardier De Havilland Dash 8 DHC 8-315 had taken off from runway 14 of the same airport on a scheduled passenger flight to Ukunda, Kwale County. The Cessna reportedly lost control and crashed into the Nairobi National Park, about 10 kilometres from the airport.
The latest of these tragic incidents occurred on Tuesday when a Cessna Caravan, registration 5Y-CCA, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, crashed into a forested area in Nyando, Matuga, Kwale County, and burst into flames. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and 10 passengers, had departed Diani Airport at 8am for Kichwa Tembo Camp in the Maasai Mara, where the tourists were scheduled to view the Mara plains.
Former Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director-General Gilbert Kibe told the Nation that it would be premature to speculate on the cause of the latest crash.
“For now, let’s allow the air accident investigations to determine the exact cause and issue a report so that there is no room for speculation,” Mr Kibe said.
