This archive report was first published on 3 December 2019.
Kenya's growing aviation industry is facing a challenge from private pilots who are calling for a review of regulations on the ownership and maintenance of light aircrafts.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, there are approximately 1600 aircrafts in the country, comprising both large and small planes.
The Recreational Aviation Association of Kenya (RAAK) is urging the government to create a separate entity to regulate recreational aircraft owners, arguing that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority should focus on large commercial aircrafts.
RAAK Chairman Trevor Kent says his organization has drafted proposals that, if adopted and implemented, would help in the growth of the recreational airplanes business.
The high cost of owning and maintaining light aircrafts is a major concern for the association, with the cost of training a pilot ranging between 1.2 to 1.3 million shillings.
RAAK Secretary-General Gary Cullen has called for a paradigm shift in regulating the sector, citing the high cost of owning and maintaining aircraft as a major obstacle to growth.
Published on December 3, 2019
