The government has assured the public of its unwavering commitment to aviation safety following Tuesday’s tragic plane crash in Kwale County that claimed 12 lives.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir reaffirmed that Kenya remains steadfast in maintaining high safety standards across its aviation industry.
“The Government of Kenya assures the public that aviation safety remains our highest priority,” he said in a statement.
Chirchir added that a team of investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has already been deployed to the crash site to begin a comprehensive probe into the incident.
The investigation, he stated, will be conducted in line with international regulations to ensure transparency, independence, and adherence to global safety standards.
“In accordance with the provisions of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), investigators have been deployed to the accident site to commence a comprehensive on-site investigation,” said Chirchir.
According to the CS, the government is committed to ensuring a transparent, thorough, and independent investigation.
Chirchir also expressed his deep regret over the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), the aircraft, tail number 5Y-CCA, went down shortly after take-off from Diani Airstrip in Kwale County.
The plane was headed for Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the Maasai Mara, a popular route for safari tourists.
The ill-fated aircraft had operated safely in the Kenyan skies for over a decade, mainly serving the tourism circuit between the coast and the Maasai Mara.
Mombasa Air Safari, one of Kenya’s longest-serving domestic operators, runs regular flights linking major tourist destinations.
Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that heavy rain and poor visibility blanketed parts of Kwale County at the time of the crash.
The plane is said to have gone down in a forested, hilly area of Tsimba Golini, roughly 10km inland from the coast.
Rescue teams from the Kenya Red Cross, the Kenya Air Force, and KCAA investigators were quickly dispatched to the scene, though access proved difficult due to the terrain and weather.
Mombasa Air Safari Limited confirmed that 10 foreign nationals and one Kenyan were in the plane.
According to the company, the passengers included eight Hungarians and two Germans, along with one Kenyan crew member, who was the captain of the aircraft.
“We are profoundly saddened to report that there are no survivors. Our hearts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic event,” the statement read.
The airline confirmed that it has activated its emergency response team and is working closely with relevant authorities, who have begun investigations into the cause of the crash.
“Our primary focus right now is on providing all possible support to the families affected,” said John Cleave, the company’s chairman.
A Family Assistance Team, he said, has been set up to offer counselling, logistical coordination, and any required support to the relatives of the victims.
It added that they will provide further updates as more details emerge, and continue cooperating with investigating authorities.
The crash happens barely two months after an Amref airplane went down in the Githurai area, killing six.
The plane had just taken off from Wilson Airport.
by FELIX KIPKEMOI
