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| KCAA Director General Emile Arao |
By John Kariuki
In a significant step towards improving aviation safety within Kenya’s conservation areas, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) have reinforced their collaboration to ensure compliance with aerodrome safety regulations.
Today, a high-level sensitization meeting was held at the KWS headquarters, bringing together KCAA Director General Mr. Emile Arao and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga, PhD, EBS, along with senior officers from both institutions. The session aimed to align KWS-managed airstrips with established aviation standards to guarantee safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
KWS operates multiple airstrips across the country, which serve as critical infrastructure for park surveillance, wildlife rescue missions, emergency response, security operations, and tourism facilitation. Given their strategic importance, ensuring that these airstrips meet aviation safety requirements is crucial for both conservation efforts and public safety.
During the session, KCAA provided expert insights on aerodrome safety protocols, regulatory frameworks, and compliance measures necessary for airstrip operations. KWS, in turn, shared its operational challenges and the vital role these airstrips play in wildlife conservation and security. Both institutions agreed to work closely to streamline airstrip management, enhance safety measures, and conduct regular compliance audits.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Kanga emphasized KWS’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards across all its airstrips. “Aviation plays a crucial role in conservation, and ensuring that our airstrips meet safety and regulatory requirements is a priority. We appreciate KCAA’s support in enhancing our compliance efforts,” he stated.
Mr. Arao reaffirmed KCAA’s dedication to ensuring all aviation infrastructure, including conservation airstrips, operates within the highest safety standards. “We recognize the importance of KWS airstrips in supporting security, conservation, and tourism. Through this partnership, we will provide the necessary guidance and oversight to ensure full compliance,” he noted.
The engagement marks a crucial milestone in fostering safer and more efficient aerodrome operations within Kenya’s national parks and reserves. With enhanced collaboration between KWS and KCAA, stakeholders can expect improved air travel safety, better emergency response mechanisms, and a strengthened commitment to protecting Kenya’s rich biodiversity.
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