United by a shared commitment to Kenya’s aviation future, the Kenya Association of Air Operators (KAAO), the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) came together on 21st July 2025 for a high-level joint board tour at Wilson Airport. This meeting brought together senior leadership and board members to address pressing challenges facing one of Africa’s busiest general aviation hubs.
Wilson Airport, established in 1927, is a critical gateway supporting medical evacuations, business travel, flight training, and tourism, while serving as a major revenue generator second only to JKIA. As Kenya’s aviation landscape evolves, so too must the strategies to protect and enhance Wilson’s operational and safety standards.
During the meeting, key issues discussed included the increasing encroachment of high-rise developments into protected airspace, deteriorating airport infrastructure, and the accumulation of derelict aircraft that impede airport operations and pose safety risks. These concerns are not merely operational; they affect the livelihoods of thousands who depend on Wilson Airport’s seamless functioning.
KAA Chairman, Mr. Caleb Kositany, and KCAA Chairman, Mr. Brown M. M. Ondego, EBS, reaffirmed their agencies’ commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to escalate these challenges and develop sustainable, actionable solutions. Notably, the session emphasized the need for a structured, multi-agency approach involving the Nairobi City County Government to ensure that developments within Wilson’s protected airspace align with Kenya’s aviation safety obligations as a signatory to ICAO standards.
Representatives from the Nairobi City County Government expressed their willingness to support this multi-agency approach, recognizing the critical role Wilson Airport plays in Nairobi’s connectivity and economic activities. They pledged to review development approvals within the Wilson funnel to ensure they align with airspace protection requirements.
Following the discussions, participants conducted a comprehensive walkabout from landside to airside, gaining firsthand insight into the infrastructure challenges faced by the airport, including water supply issues and runway rehabilitation needs. The session concluded with an aerial fly-by over South C, the Parliamentary precinct, Kibera Southlands, and the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC). This powerful aerial perspective underscored the urgent need to protect Wilson Airport’s funnel from encroachment and highlighted the importance of clear, obstruction-free flight paths for the safety of operations, particularly during takeoff and landing.
At KAAO, we remain steadfast in advocating for a safe, efficient, and future-ready aviation sector. We recognize that safeguarding Wilson Airport is not just about protecting infrastructure; it is about preserving livelihoods, ensuring the continuity of critical air services, and upholding Kenya’s commitment to global aviation standards.
Moving forward, KAAO will continue to work closely with KAA, KCAA, Nairobi City County, and other stakeholders, public and private, to ensure that Wilson Airport is protected and positioned for sustainable, long-term success.
Together, we can ensure that Wilson Airport continues to thrive as a vital aviation gateway, driving Kenya’s connectivity and supporting the growth of our aviation industry for generations to come.
