The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has issued a high-priority public notice aimed at safeguarding Kenya’s airspace. Citing the Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 394), the Authority is tightening regulations on all buildings and structures located within a 15-kilometer radius of any aerodrome in the country.
The directive targets developers, property owners, and lessees, warning that strict enforcement actions will follow for those who fail to comply with safety standards.
Under the new guidelines, the KCAA has prohibited any person from constructing, erecting, or altering any structure within the designated 15km zone without prior written authorization.
Before breaking ground, developers must submit applications for the Authority to review and approve the acceptable height of the proposed project. This measure is designed to prevent physical obstructions to flight paths and ensure the safety of both aircraft and residents on the ground.
In a move to improve visibility for pilots, the KCAA is now requiring all developments in these zones to be fitted with Class B medium-intensity aeronautical obstacle lights.
- Installation: These lights must be placed at the tip of aerial masts or at the four upper extremities of buildings.
- Deadline: Owners and lessees have been granted a 30-day notice period from the date of the publication to install these lights.
While the requirements apply to all international and domestic airports across Kenya, the Authority specifically highlighted several Nairobi neighborhoods surrounding Wilson Airport as high-priority areas. These include:
- Residential Hubs: Lang’ata, Karen, South B, South C, Madaraka, and Nairobi West.
- Growing Suburbs: Ongata Rongai, Kabete, and Ngong Road.
- Other Noted Estates: Highrise, Kibera, Dam Estate, Otiende, Ngei 1 & 2, and Uhuru Gardens.