NAIROBI, Kenya – Parliament has directed a comprehensive review of aviation safety in Kenya’s flight training institutions following a spate of light aircraft crashes that have raised alarm over lax oversight and ageing equipment.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula on Thursday instructed the Committee on Transport and Infrastructure to table a detailed report on the condition of training aircraft and the safety procedures in place for student pilots and instructors.
The directive came after nominated MP Umulkher Harun raised concerns over the growing number of air accidents linked to aviation training schools, saying the trend pointed to systemic weaknesses in the sector.
“These accidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced oversight and safety measures within aviation training institutions,” Harun told the House. “It is against this background that I request a statement from the chairman of the Transport Committee.”
The committee’s report will assess how frequently aircraft and airstrips are inspected, whether current safety protocols are adequate, and what actions the Ministry of Roads and Transport has taken to relocate training flights away from densely populated areas.
Lawmakers want such airstrips sited in open, obstacle-free locations to reduce risks to both trainee pilots and surrounding communities.
Wetang’ula said Parliament expects clear recommendations on how to strengthen inspection regimes, tighten compliance with aviation safety regulations, and improve supervision of flight training institutions.
The Speaker’s directive comes amid a worrying increase in small aircraft accidents across the country.
The most recent tragedy occurred on Tuesday when a Cessna Caravan operated by Mombasa Air Safari crashed in a forested area of Nyando, Matuga, Kwale County, killing all 11 passengers on board.
Data from the past two years show a sharp rise in aviation incidents, several involving training aircraft.
The trend has renewed scrutiny of Kenya’s flight schools, many of which operate older fleets under limited regulatory oversight.
Lawmakers say the forthcoming report should provide a roadmap for raising safety standards, updating legislation, and restoring public confidence in the country’s aviation training sector.
