Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has appointed a special Aircraft Accident Investigation Team to review a series of past aircraft accidents involving Kenyan-registered or operated planes in South Sudan and Somalia over the past five years.
The 11-member team, constituted under Section 53 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, has been tasked with a comprehensive mandate aimed at improving air safety and preventing future tragedies in the region.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 53 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport establishes the Aircraft Accident Investigation Team,” read part of the notice issued by the ministry.
The team will be chaired by Peter Maranga, with Fredrick Kabunge as Co-chairperson and Fredrick Aggrey as Vice-chairperson.
Other members include Captain Nduati Herman Njama, Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mike Mulwa, Ephantus Kamau, Captain Valentine Wendoh, and James Mwangi.
The joint secretaries are Brenda Mwango, Mathias Ombasa, and Albert Mwangeka.
The investigation team has been entrusted with five critical roles:
Review all preliminary reports of past aircraft accidents involving Kenyan planes in South Sudan and Somalia.
Investigate related matters arising from or linked to the accidents.
Verify findings through in-depth analysis, testing, and evaluation.
Engage aviation experts through interviews and consultations for deeper insight.
Co-opt additional specialists where necessary to strengthen the investigative process.
Upon completing the review, the team is expected to submit a comprehensive report with recommendations aimed at addressing systemic and safety issues identified during the investigations.
CS Chirchir has given the team three months to complete its work, effective from March 27, 2025, though the term may be extended if needed.
The move comes in the wake of multiple aviation incidents in the region, the most recent being the March 22, 2025 crash of a Kenyan cargo aircraft near Mogadishu, Somalia, which claimed the lives of all five people on board.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport hopes the investigation will uncover gaps in operational safety and reinforce Kenya’s commitment to upholding international aviation standards.
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