NAIROBI — Kenya has appointed a special team to investigate a series of aircraft accidents involving its planes in South Sudan and Somalia, following mounting concerns about aviation safety and a recent fatal incident in Sudan.
The inquiry, led by veteran pilot Captain Peter Maranga and senior Transport Ministry official Fredrick Kabunge, is expected to review preliminary crash reports submitted by authorities in the two neighbouring countries over the past five years.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said in a notice issued Friday that the seven-member team will work for three months to examine the findings, consult industry players, and produce a full report with recommendations.
“The team will analyse all available data and engage with stakeholders to verify facts and clarify any inconsistencies in the accident reports,” read the gazette notice dated March 27.
A Recent Tragedy Raises Alarm
The government’s decision follows a deadly incident earlier this month, when a Kenyan pilot was killed in Sudan. His aircraft, a Boeing 727 operating under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), was struck by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) at Nyala Airport in South Darfur on May 3.
The pilot’s death sent shockwaves through Kenya’s aviation sector and underscored the growing risks faced by Kenyan crews flying in conflict zones.
Veteran Voices and Technical Experts
The task force includes a mix of experienced aviation professionals and former military personnel. Among them are Capt. Nduati Herman Njama, Rtd. Lt. Col. Mike Mulwa, Capt. Valentine Wendoh, and aviation safety expert Ephantus Kamau. Fredrick Aggrey Opot will serve as vice-chairperson.
Brenda Mwango, Mathias Ombasa, and Albert Mwangeka have been appointed as joint secretaries to support the panel’s work.
The investigation will not be limited to reviewing reports. The team has been authorised to carry out independent tests and assessments of data and materials, with the aim of verifying the findings submitted by the South Sudanese and Somali authorities.
A Push for Accountability and Reform
The Ministry of Transport hopes the final report will lead to practical changes in how Kenyan aircraft operate in high-risk regions and improve coordination with regional aviation regulators.
“Our aviation industry cannot operate in isolation,” said a senior ministry official who asked not to be named. “We need a clear understanding of what’s happening to our aircraft beyond our borders.”
Aviation experts say the review is long overdue. Kenyan planes, particularly cargo aircraft, are frequently contracted to operate in conflict-affected zones across the Horn of Africa, where infrastructure is poor and security threats are high.
“There’s often a lack of detailed oversight once these aircraft leave Kenyan airspace,” said George Wanjohi, an aviation consultant based in Nairobi. “This is a chance for the government to step up its responsibility.”
The findings of the inquiry will be presented to Cabinet Secretary Chirchir and are expected to include policy recommendations aimed at safeguarding Kenyan crews and enhancing cross-border aviation safety standards.
With tensions still high in parts of Sudan and Somalia, many in the industry are watching closely for action not just words.
