KCAA boss pushes relocation of aviation schools from Wilson Airport

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is advocating for aviation training schools currently operating at Wilson Airport to relocate to less congested facilities. This move aims to reduce the high cost of pilot training and enhance safety. KCAA Acting Director General Nicholas Bondo stated that these discussions are already underway to lower landing and parking charges.

He emphasized that relocating the training institutions would help ease congestion and create a safer operating environment. Githae Mwaniki, secretary-general of the African Association of Training Organisations (AATO), pointed out that the cost of aviation training has surged by about 400% over the past two decades, with fuel accounting for 40 to 42% of the expenses.

Captain Clement Wambugu urged the government to consider measures to reduce fuel costs for training institutions. Captain Martin Ririani, founder of the Kenya School of Flying, highlighted that high operating costs and licensing requirements are making pilot training unaffordable for many young Kenyans. The push for relocation coincides with the KCAA overseeing an expanding aviation sector, with over 20 local and international operators recently granted or renewed air service licenses.