The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has given property owners, developers and lessees within airport zones a 30-day ultimatum to regularise their developments and comply with aviation safety standards, warning of strict enforcement actions including demolition for non-compliance.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has issued a 30-day ultimatum to property owners, developers and lessees within the vicinity of airports across the country to regularise their developments and fully comply with aviation safety standards.
The directive, announced through a public notice published on December 23, 2025, targets all structures, buildings, installations and land uses that fall within the protected zones around Kenya’s airports and aerodromes. KCAA Director General Capt. Murithi Nyagah said the move was necessary to safeguard air navigation safety and prevent potential hazards to aircraft operations.
“Many developments near airports have been constructed without the required clearance or in violation of height restrictions, obstacle limitation surfaces and land use guidelines,” Capt. Nyagah said. “These pose serious risks to aviation safety. We are giving a final 30-day window for owners to apply for clearance, adjust non-compliant structures or provide justification. After that, we will have no choice but to enforce the law.”
The ultimatum applies to all aerodromes, including major international airports such as Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Eldoret International Airport, Kisumu International Airport and Wilson Airport, as well as smaller aerodromes and airstrips.
KCAA cited the Civil Aviation Act and the Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations, which prohibit any development that could interfere with air navigation or pose a hazard to aircraft. Violations include buildings exceeding height limits, unapproved towers, masts, billboards, solar panels, cranes, chimneys, trees, earth mounds and even reflective surfaces that could cause glare to pilots.
The authority has identified hundreds of structures in breach, particularly around JKIA and Wilson Airport in Nairobi, where rapid urban expansion has led to high-rise apartments, commercial buildings and telecommunication masts encroaching on approach paths and obstacle limitation surfaces. In Mombasa, several hotels and residential blocks near Moi International Airport have been flagged.
Capt. Nyagah warned that failure to comply would trigger strict enforcement actions. “We will issue enforcement notices, followed by demolition orders if necessary,” he said. “We have the legal mandate under the Civil Aviation Act to remove or reduce hazards, and we will not hesitate to protect air safety.”
Property owners have been directed to immediately contact the KCAA Aeronautical Information Services department or their nearest airport manager to apply for obstacle clearance permits. Applications must include site plans, elevation drawings, coordinates and justification for the development. KCAA will assess each case and may approve, reject or require modifications.
The notice has sent shockwaves through real estate circles, especially in Nairobi’s south and east where developments near JKIA and Wilson Airport are common. Developers and landlords fear potential demolition orders or costly retrofits.
Nairobi Real Estate Association chairperson Catherine Kariuki called for dialogue. “We support aviation safety, but many owners bought land in good faith and built according to county approvals,” Kariuki said. “We urge KCAA to engage developers and come up with a fair transition plan rather than abrupt enforcement.”
The Kenya Property Developers Association echoed the call for consultation. “A blanket 30-day ultimatum is unrealistic for large projects,” a spokesperson said. “Many developments are already under construction or occupied. We need a phased compliance programme.”
KCAA has defended the timeline, saying it had issued previous advisories and conducted public awareness campaigns since 2023. “We have been patient,” Capt. Nyagah said. “We have held stakeholder forums, published maps of protected zones and sent individual notices to known violators. This is the final warning.”
The authority has also warned county governments against approving developments within airport zones without KCAA clearance. “Counties must consult us before issuing building permits in protected areas,” Nyagah said. “Failure to do so will expose them to liability when we enforce removal.”
The directive comes amid growing air traffic in Kenya, with JKIA handling over 8 million passengers annually and domestic flights increasing due to improved regional connectivity. Safety experts say even minor encroachments can create serious hazards, especially during low-visibility conditions.
As the 30-day clock starts ticking, property owners near airports are rushing to review their titles, contact KCAA and seek legal advice. The outcome of the ultimatum will likely shape urban planning around Kenya’s airports for years to come.
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