KWS and KCAA Partner to Boost Airstrip Safety and Compliance in Conservation Areas

By John Kariuki
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) have strengthened their partnership to enhance aerodrome safety and regulatory compliance within Kenya’s conservation areas.
In a high-level meeting at KWS headquarters, KCAA Director General Emile Arao and KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga agreed to align KWS-managed airstrips with national aviation standards to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance.
KWS operates airstrips vital for wildlife conservation, security, emergency response, and tourism, making adherence to safety regulations crucial.
Prof. Kanga reaffirmed KWS’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards, noting, “Aviation is key to conservation. Ensuring our airstrips meet safety standards is a top priority.”
Mr. Arao emphasized KCAA’s role in supporting KWS airstrips, stating, “We are committed to ensuring all aviation infrastructure operates safely and within set regulations.”
The partnership will see both agencies collaborate on regular audits, safety enhancements, and streamlined airstrip management, improving conservation and tourism operations across Kenya’s parks.