The government’s proposal to reroute flight paths around Wilson Airport instead of demolishing buildings that violate aviation safety regulations has drawn sharp criticism from senators, who warn the move could undermine enforcement of planning laws and set a dangerous precedent.
The issue emerged during a meeting of the Senate Roads and Transport Committee after government officials confirmed they are exploring alternatives to demolishing more than 40 buildings that have encroached on protected airspace around Wilson Airport.
Appearing before the committee, Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresiah Mbaika acknowledged that many of the affected buildings have existed for years and may have received approvals from various government agencies, including Nairobi County. She said these approvals make demolition legally and administratively complex.
According to Mbaika, the government is assessing whether modifying flight operations could provide a practical alternative to bringing down long-established developments.
The debate follows an obstruction survey conducted between October and November 2024. The survey inspected 134 buildings within a six-kilometre radius of Wilson Airport and found that 41 structures exceeded the maximum permitted height, posing potential safety risks to aircraft during take-off and landing.
However, senators questioned why developers should be accommodated when many ordinary Kenyans have previously lost homes and businesses after building on protected land.
Nominated Senator Peris Tobiko argued that the law should be enforced consistently regardless of who owns the affected buildings. She warned that altering flight paths to accommodate unauthorized developments could encourage future violations of planning and aviation regulations.
Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua also challenged the proposal, noting that informal settlements near Wilson Airport have previously been demolished for violating planning laws. He questioned why commercial developments should receive different treatment while ordinary citizens have faced strict enforcement.
Among the buildings identified in the survey is the Centre for Parliamentary Studies. According to the findings, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) approved a maximum building height of 21 metres, but the structure currently stands at approximately 27 metres.
Despite the criticism, the government maintains that demolition is only one of several options under consideration. Mbaika told the committee that authorities are also evaluating the possibility of reorienting the Wilson Airport runway towards the Nairobi National Park side. She noted that nearby government-owned land linked to the University of Nairobi could support such a proposal.
The government’s position has sparked public debate over aviation safety, fairness and equal enforcement of planning regulations. Many Kenyans are now questioning whether influential developments should receive special treatment while the law has been strictly enforced against other property owners.
As the discussions continue, lawmakers are expected to push for a solution that protects aviation safety while ensuring planning laws are applied fairly to all.
