The Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing has launched a comprehensive inquiry into deteriorating infrastructure and rising safety risks at Wilson Airport, amid growing concerns from aviation stakeholders and recent accident reports.

The move follows a request for a formal statement by Godfrey Osotsi during a Senate sitting on March 12, 2026, seeking urgent clarification on the state of the airport’s infrastructure and safety systems.

In its preliminary findings, the Committee warned that the country’s busiest domestic airport is facing “serious operational and safety challenges” linked to ageing infrastructure, encroachment by unauthorized developments, and gaps in regulatory enforcement.

“The Committee has noted increasing concerns regarding aviation safety and infrastructure risks at Wilson Airport, and will undertake an inquiry to establish the extent of these concerns and determine accountability,” the Committee stated.

Wilson Airport, a critical hub for domestic, regional, and emergency aviation operations—including medical evacuations and humanitarian missions—has come under scrutiny due to mounting safety risks.

Aviation stakeholders, including the Kenya Association of Air Operators and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, have raised alarm over increasing encroachment by high-rise buildings around key flight paths.

Areas such as South C and the vicinity of Bomas of Kenya have been flagged as high-risk zones where non-compliant structures obstruct pilot visibility and violate height restrictions.

“These developments infringe on designated airspace and obstruct critical flight paths, thereby compromising the safety of aircraft operations,” the Committee noted.

An Auditor-General’s report for the financial year ending June 2025 paints a grim picture of the airport’s operational capacity. Among the issues cited are inadequate screening equipment, insufficient parking space, a non-functional baggage conveyor system, and unreliable power supply.

The report also highlights congestion on the apron caused by grounded aircraft, leading to reduced operational efficiency and revenue losses.

Investigations by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department have further linked recent aviation incidents to deteriorating runway conditions and delayed rehabilitation works, raising fears over the airport’s readiness to handle.

Despite the challenges, the government has initiated a phased upgrade program at Wilson Airport, expected to run for 18 months. The project includes runway repairs and expansion to accommodate larger aircraft.

Additionally, the State Department for Aviation is considering constructing a modern terminal to centralize operations.

However, the Committee questioned whether these measures are sufficient and timely.

“The situation reveals potential legislative and policy gaps, particularly in enforcement of safety standards, urban development control, and inter-agency coordination,” the Committee observed.

The Committee conducted an oversight visit to Wilson Airport on Thursday morning, following a recent incident involving a Safarilink aircraft on March 20, 2026.

The visit aimed to assess firsthand the state of infrastructure, safety systems, and ongoing rehabilitation works, as well as to engage with key stakeholders including the Kenya Airports Authority and the Nairobi City County Government.

“The Committee resolved to undertake a visit to Wilson Airport pursuant to its oversight mandate and has requested all relevant authorities to be present,” said the Committee Chairman, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch.

Among the critical areas under investigation are the condition of runways and drainage systems, the effectiveness of rescue and firefighting services, reliability of air traffic control systems, and enforcement of land-use regulations around flight paths.

The Committee will also examine timelines for demolishing illegal structures, findings from recent accident investigations, and the government’s long-term plans to modernize the facility.

As scrutiny intensifies, the outcome of the Senate’s inquiry is expected to shape future policy and regulatory reforms aimed at restoring safety and efficiency at one of Kenya’s most vital aviation hubs.