MPs grill Transport CS Chirchir over slow release of air crash reports
According to CS Chirchir, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends a 12-month window to complete such investigations.
The National Assembly has raised alarm over what it says are unreasonable delays in concluding aircraft accident investigations in Kenya, calling for urgent reforms to speed up the release of crash reports and offer closure to affected families.
During a session with the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Delegated Legislation put Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on the spot, citing public concern and a history of unresolved fatal crashes.
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“We have had fatal aircraft accidents in the past, including the one that killed former Chief of the Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla. Why do reports take so long to be made public?” asked Committee Chairperson Samuel Chepkong’a on Tuesday.
Chirchir was appearing before the Committee to present the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation) Regulations, 2024, which seek to establish clear structures for aviation incident probes and ensure compliance with international standards.
He was accompanied by Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority officials, and representatives from the Aircraft Accident Investigations Department.
In his response, Chirchir said the Ministry’s investigative mandate is confined to civilian aircraft, and not police or military aircraft. “Our mandate does not cover military or police aircraft. The investigation into General Ogolla’s helicopter crash is outside our jurisdiction,” he said.
The Committee was, however, not satisfied, with several members pointing out that delays are common even in civilian cases. Committee Vice Chairperson Robert Gichimu and Kiambu Town MP Machua Waithaka said the slow release of findings delays reforms that could prevent future tragedies.
Chirchir defended the current approach, explaining that aircraft accident investigations often involve international stakeholders and technical processes that take time. “This timeline is due to the complexity of the process and the number of parties involved,” he said.
According to Chirchir, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) recommends a 12-month window to complete such investigations.
He added that flight data is often processed by overseas manufacturers who may have existing backlogs, and involvement of foreign nationals demands cooperation with their governments 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 said.
Kenya has a history of deadly aircraft crashes involving key national leaders. In 2003, Labour Minister Ahmed Khalif died in a Busia crash.
The 2006 Marsabit tragedy killed five MPs. In 2008, Roads Minister Kipkalya Kones and Sotik MP Lorna Laboso died shortly after take-off from Wilson Airport. Interior Minister George Saitoti and Assistant Minister Orwa Ojode died in a 2012 helicopter crash in Ngong Hills. In 2018, a Fly-SAX flight crashed in the Aberdares, killing 10 people.
The Committee urged the Ministry to incorporate proposed amendments into the draft regulations and return the revised version for further examination.
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