Members of Parliament in Kenya are demanding answers from the government regarding the recurrent helicopter crashes in the country. They have given the Ministry of Transport until next Tuesday to submit a detailed report on the incidents. The report should include details of crashes recorded over the years, their suspected or established causes, findings of investigations, and any recurring safety deficiencies.
The demand for a report follows a recent helicopter crash on October 12 at Kericho Golf Club. The Kenya Forest Service helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, was carrying State Department for Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno. The incident has raised concerns about aircraft airworthiness, maintenance standards, pilot competency, and regulatory oversight.
Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei stated that the recurrence of such incidents calls for a broader examination of aircraft airworthiness, maintenance standards, pilot competency, and regulatory oversight. She wants the government to disclose the helicopter’s maintenance history, last inspection, any outstanding mechanical defects, operational approvals, and the pilot’s qualifications.
MPs are also seeking details of the sequence of take-off attempts, preliminary findings, evidence collected, and whether mechanical failure, pilot error, poor weather, or other operational factors contributed to the crash. They are seeking details of measures to enforce aviation safety standards, strengthen oversight, and ensure accountability for any negligence or regulatory failures.
There have been several notable helicopter crashes in Kenya recently. Preliminary investigations into the February 2026 crash that killed former Emurua Dikir MP Johana Ng’eno cited thick fog, drizzle, and extremely low visibility. In April 2024, a military report attributed the crash that killed Chief of Defence Forces General Francis Ogolla and other officers to engine malfunction.
According to reports, between 2020 and 2024, Kenya recorded at least 20 helicopter crashes. In 2023, Parliament adopted the East African Community Multilateral Agreement on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations. The agreement aims to strengthen regional cooperation in investigations and improve aviation safety.
The government has been urged to take action to prevent such incidents in the future. The Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, has tabled proposed regulations that include limiting the working hours of chopper pilots to no more than eight hours. The proposed regulations aim to improve aviation safety standards in the country.
Key points
- MPs have given the Ministry of Transport until next Tuesday to submit a detailed report on helicopter crashes.
- The report should include details of crashes recorded over the years and their suspected or established causes.
- Kenya recorded at least 20 helicopter crashes between 2020 and 2024.
