Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has appointed a special Aircraft Accident Investigation Team to examine aircraft accidents involving Kenyan-registered or operated aircraft in South Sudan and Somalia over the past five years.
The announcement was made in a gazette notice dated May 17, 2025, and invokes powers under Section 53(4) of the Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 394). The team’s primary mandate is to review preliminary accident reports from the Republic of South Sudan and the Federal Republic of Somalia involving Kenyan aircraft, with a view to establishing facts, identifying safety concerns, and recommending measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Captain Peter Maranga will chair the team, with Fredrick Kabunge serving as co-chairperson and Engineer Fredrick Aggrey Opot as vice-chairperson. The team also includes Capt. Nduati Herman Njama, Rtd. Lt. Col. Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Capt. Valentine Wendoh, and James Mwangi. The appointed joint secretaries are Brenda Mwango, Mathias Ombasa, and Albert Mwangeka.
The investigation team has a three-month term starting from the date of the notice, though this may be extended at the discretion of the Cabinet Secretary if necessary. During this period, the team is expected to carry out a comprehensive review and provide a detailed report with findings and recommendations.
The scope of the investigation allows the team to analyze data, validate findings, conduct interviews, and evaluate materials linked to the accidents. They are also empowered to co-opt additional experts as needed to support their work.
The final report will be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary and will aim to highlight any safety issues uncovered and propose actions to be taken by the aviation industry in Kenya. The move underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing air safety, particularly in light of Kenya’s extensive aviation operations in neighboring countries.
