Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis ChirchirMembers of the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation have voiced concern over the prolonged delays in concluding aircraft accident investigations in Kenya.
During a session with officials from the Ministry of Roads and Transport, lawmakers led by Committee Chairperson Samuel Chepkong’a (Ainabkoi) despite the urgency surrounding such incidents.
Chepkong’a specifically referenced the recent helicopter crash that claimed the life of former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, urging the Ministry to explain the persistent lag in investigations.
“We have had fatal aircraft accidents in the past, including the one that killed General Ogolla. Why do reports take so long to be made public?” Chepkong’a asked during the meeting held in Parliament on Monday.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir, had appeared before the Committee to provide input on the proposed Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations, 2024, and was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, officials from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), and the Aircraft Accident Investigations Department.
The new regulations aim to align Kenya’s aviation investigation processes with international best practices, streamline investigations, and provide a clear timeline for reporting.
In response to the lawmakers’ concerns, Chirchir clarified that the Ministry’s jurisdiction only covers civilian aircraft, stating that military and police aircraft—such as the one involved in Ogolla’s fatal crash—fall outside its mandate.
“Our mandate does not cover military or police aircraft. The investigation into General Ogolla’s helicopter crash is being handled by relevant security authorities,” the CS explained.
He added that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends a 12-month timeline for concluding investigations due to the complexity involved and the number of stakeholders, including foreign agencies and manufacturers.
“Often, flight data recorders must be analysed by aircraft manufacturers based overseas. There can be backlogs, and investigations involving foreign nationals require participation from their respective countries and ICAO,” he said.
Committee Vice Chairperson Robert Gichimu (Gichugu) and Kiambu Town MP Machua Waithaka echoed Chepkong’a’s concerns, warning that delayed reports not only deny families closure but also hinder efforts to prevent future accidents.
Kenya has witnessed several tragic plane crashes involving prominent leaders, apart from the recent one that claimed General Ogolla.
In January 2003, a plane crashed in Busia, killing Labour Minister Ahmed Khalif and two pilots. Ministers Raphael Tuju, Linah Kilimo, and Martha Karua survived the accident.
In April 2006, a Kenya Defence Forces aircraft crashed in Marsabit due to poor weather, killing 14 people, including five MPs such as Bonaya Godana and Mirugi Kariuki.
On June 10, 2008, a plane crashed shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport, killing Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones, Sotik MP Lorna Laboso, the pilot Christoph Maria Schnerr, and a bodyguard.
In June 2012, a helicopter crashed in Ngong Hills, killing Interior Minister George Saitoti, Assistant Minister Joshua Orwa Ojode, their bodyguards, and two pilots. The crash occurred just 10 minutes after take-off from Wilson Airport.
The last major commercial plane crash occurred on June 5, 2018. A Fly-SAX flight from Kitale to Nairobi crashed in the Aberdares, killing all ten people on board.
