Kenya Air Force raises alarm over illegal encroachment near Moi Air Base, Eastleigh

Concerns have emerged over rising encroachment around Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, with Kenya Air Force officials warning that illegal structures within the danger zone are compromising the safety and operational efficiency of the base.

In a meeting on Thursday with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Embakasi Base Commandant Brigadier Kapkori told MPs the influx of unauthorised buildings threatens emergency operations, calling on authorities to intervene before the situation worsens.

“Structures have been put up, and they are compromising the security of the base. Efforts to report this to the county government have proved futile since more structures keep coming up,” he said.

Committee members questioned whether formal complaints had been filed and why decisive action had not yet been taken. Kapkori explained that encroachments often increase during election periods and that the base does not have the legal mandate to evict occupants directly, as such matters fall under the County Government’s jurisdiction.

The committee, led by Vice Chairperson Bashir Abdullaih (Mandera North), was also briefed on the strategic importance of the airbase. Kapkori highlighted that its central location makes it ideal for emergency landings and evacuation operations.

The committee observed the need to modernise equipment and facilities at the airbase.

“We will endeavour to support the Force. For every need that the Force has, you must have a plan. For every challenge you have, have a plan and bring it to the Ministry of Defence. We pledge to support adequate resource allocation to modernise the Kenya Air Force,” Bashir said.

The Kenya Air Force leadership also appealed for backing in sensitising the public on the importance of Moi Air Base and facilitating the reclamation and acquisition of title deeds for the remaining 118.82 hectares of land.

The issue of building encroachment around the base has previously drawn the attention of President William Ruto. Last year, during the Kenya Air Force's 60th Anniversary celebrations at Moi Air Base, the Head of State announced that he would take action against developers constructing buildings that exceed legal height limits.

He emphasised the interference of high-rise structures with air force activities and the prime location of the base.

“Let me commit that in discussions with the county government of Nairobi, we will ensure that this facility does not lose its premier position and all buildings beyond the heights that are provided for in law. We will work with the county to ensure that all developers keep to the standards that we have agreed with the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Defence Forces,” Ruto said.

His remarks contrasted with the position of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who in March 2023 removed the floor limit for high-rise buildings, allowing construction up to 25 floors. Previously, residential buildings near airports were limited to four floors to facilitate presidential evacuation during emergencies. Governor Sakaja defended the revision, citing Nairobi’s growing population and the need to expand vertically.

“There was a restriction on houses, especially close to the Eastleigh Airbase. These restrictions were in place to aid the evacuation of the President during an emergency. However, I requested the President to remove the limit, which he agreed to. Nairobi is 696 square kilometres, in 2050 the population will be 10.5 million people, and since we can’t expand the city, the only way to go is up,” Sakaja said.

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