The Kenyan government has assured the public of its firm commitment to aviation safety following Tuesday’s tragic plane crash in Kwale County that claimed 12 lives.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir stated that Kenya continues to uphold high aviation safety standards and that the incident is being thoroughly investigated in accordance with international protocols.
“The Government of Kenya assures the public that aviation safety remains our highest priority,” said Chirchir in a statement.
A team from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has already been deployed to the crash site to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Chirchir noted that the probe will be carried out in line with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure transparency, independence, and adherence to global safety standards.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft—registration number 5Y-CCA—crashed shortly after taking off from Diani Airstrip in Kwale. The plane was headed for Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara, a popular destination for safari tourists.
The aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, had served Kenya’s skies for over a decade, primarily connecting the coast and the Mara tourism circuit. The airline confirmed that the ill-fated flight carried 10 foreign nationals and one Kenyan crew member—eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy rainfall and poor visibility in parts of Kwale at the time of the crash. The aircraft went down in a forested, hilly area of Tsimba Golini, about 10 kilometres inland from the coast.
Rescue efforts were immediately launched by the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Air Force, and KCAA teams, though the terrain and weather made access difficult.
Mombasa Air Safari Chairman John Cleave expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, confirming that there were no survivors. The airline has activated a Family Assistance Team to provide counselling, logistical help, and support to the victims’ families.
