KCAA boss says Bomas did not breach air rules
National
By
David Odongo
| Mar 06, 2026
Ongoing construction of the Bomas International Convention Complex in Nairobi on February 27, 2026. [PCS]
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has said the agency’s mandate to safeguard the country’s airspace is uncompromised, despite ongoing concerns over high-rise developments near Wilson Airport, Bomas of Kenya and Moi Airbase.
In an exclusive response to inquiries raised by The Standard, Director General Emile Arao addressed issues surrounding the construction of the Bomas International Conference Complex, the safety of flight paths, and the authority’s enforcement capabilities.
Responding to reports that KCAA was “directed” to find alternative flight paths to accommodate cranes at the Bomas site—which reportedly rise between 75 and 85 metres—the Director General dismissed claims of interference.
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“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority did not receive any coercion from the government in handling the Bomas development,” the DG stated.
He explained that the structures currently under construction were subjected to a rigorous aeronautical study involving all relevant aviation stakeholders. Contrary to reports that safety recommendations were shelved, the DG insisted that the study’s findings were fully implemented.
“All recommendations from the aeronautical study regarding the erection of cranes have been complied with through the development of appropriate mitigation measures,” he said, adding that the height approval granted is sufficient to facilitate arrivals via the Army Camp approach to Wilson Airport’s Runway 07.
On the recent notice requiring property owners within a 15-kilometre radius of Wilson Airport to install Class B obstacle lights, Arao said this is standard procedure, not necessarily an indication of imminent danger.
The authority said the notification serves to remind the public of the legal requirement to seek KCAA authorisation before construction and to install lighting post-completion. He admitted that routine audits reveal gaps in compliance, particularly in South C.
“Development of buildings is an ongoing activity, so is surveillance. In South C, the majority of the buildings do not have these installations. In some cases, lighting fittings are not serviceable,” the DG explained.
He warned that failure to comply after the 30-day window will invite penalties as stipulated in the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations, 2013.
Facing questions regarding the explosion of high-rises on Ngong Road and South C, he revealed that over the past 24 months, KCAA has issued approximately 40 enforcement notices to errant developers.
“The authority conducts continuous surveillance inspections and, where safety concerns are identified, enforcement action is initiated. Presently, several enforcement actions are ongoing,” he said, promising an update upon conclusion of those cases.
Ministry of Defence
On Moi Airbase in Eastleigh, which handles sensitive military and security operations, the DG explained that the oversight mandate for military aerodromes lies with the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
“Developers are required to make applications to the KCAA, which are then referred to the MoD for comments and guidance. Determinations of the applications are made incorporating the MoD comments,” the DG said, confirming that surveillance of structures near the base is ultimately undertaken by the military.
Finally, addressing calls for a public digital mapping system to track approved structures and restore public confidence, the KCAA revealed that a solution is in the pipeline.
“We are making considerations to avail this information when required, in line with existing regulatory requirements,” the DG concluded, assuring stakeholders that airspace safety remains the primary lens through which all development applications are reviewed.