Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir was on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at pains to answer why investigations into aircraft accidents in Kenya took unusually long to conclude.
Appearing before the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation, Chirchir was put on the spot to substantiate why his ministry was unable to offer timely investigation reports.
The lawmakers, led by Committee Chairperson and Ainabkoi MP Samuel Chepkong’a, questioned why investigations into plane crashes often drag on for extended periods.
“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 posed.
Military air crashes
In response, CS Chirchir clarified that the Ministry’s responsibility is limited to civilian aircraft and does not extend to military air crashes.
“Our mandate does not cover military or police aircraft. The investigation into General Ogolla’s helicopter crash is outside our jurisdiction,” he explained.
On the issue of delays, the CS noted that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends that investigations be concluded within 12 months.
“This timeline is due to the complexity of the process and the number of parties involved,” he said.
Chirchir appeared before the Committee to provide insights on the proposed Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations, 2024. The regulations aim to strengthen aviation safety and establish clear procedures for managing accident investigations.
CDF Francis Ogolla
Citing the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of former Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla, Chepkong’a and committee members questioned the delays in releasing the investigation findings.
His concerns were supported by the Committee Vice Chairperson and Gichugu MP Robert Gichimu and Kiambu Town MP Machua Waithaka, among others.
Chirchir observed that in many cases, flight data recorders must be analysed by the aircraft manufacturers, who are often based overseas and may have existing backlogs. Investigations involving foreign nationals also require the participation of their respective countries and ICAO.
“There are many actors involved, and not all factors are within our control. However, we strive to ensure that the final report is released to the public within 12 months,” the CS stated.
Tragic aircraft crashes
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, Mirugi Kariuki, Abdi Sasura, Guracha Galgallo, Titus Ngoyoni and Abdullahi Adan.
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 10 people on board.
