EBB Air jet overshoots runway at Mandera Airstrip, all 36 on board survive
via Tuko3 min read
An EBB Air Embraer jet overshot the runway at Mandera Airstrip on April 24, crashing into vegetation. All 36 passengers and crew members survived the incident. Images showed the aircraft's nose buried in thick brush with smoke rising from its left wing. The exact cause of the accident is still under investigation. This incident follows a Safarilink crash-landing at Wilson Airport last month, which intensified scrutiny over Kenya's aviation safety standards. In that March 20 incident, a Safarilink flight, operated by ALS, veered off the runway at Wilson Airport, but all 39 passengers and crew were safely evacuated. Senator Godfrey Osotsi, who was on board, criticized the emergency response and highlighted concerns about Wilson Airport's safety and emergency shortcomings, including the absence of functional surveillance cameras and runway lighting. The Senate Committee on Roads and Transport questioned Kenya Civil Aviation Authority KCAA Director General Emile Rao regarding the Wilson Airport incident. Rao stated that Air Traffic Control was operational and that the pilot might have misjudged the situation due to heavy rainfall. He clarified that while ATC provides weather updates, the pilot makes the final decision to land. Rao also dismissed claims that Wilson Airport is used for transporting contraband cargo, stating that flights outside operational hours 6:30 am to 10 pm only occur for medical emergencies.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
The Kenya Meteorological Department has issued a forecast indicating rainfall in at least 20 counties over the next 24 hours, with wet and cool weather persisting across the country. The forecast, issued at 3pm on Thursday, July 24, covers the period from 9pm Thursday to 9pm Friday. Conditions will vary, from light showers in some highland counties to thunderstorms in parts of western Kenya and the Rift Valley. Counties expecting rainfall include Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii, Migori, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Bomet, Nyamira, Embu, Nyeri, Nairobi, Taita Taveta, and Nyandarua. Nairobi residents can expect a partly cloudy night, followed by cloudy skies with sunny intervals in the morning, and light showers in the afternoon, with temperatures between 13掳C and 25掳C. Nyandarua is forecast to have colder conditions, potentially dipping to 9掳C. Strong winds exceeding 25 knots are also forecast for northern and coastal counties such as Marsabit, Mombasa, and Lamu.
Must ReadMigori governor Ochilo Ayacko has offered condolences to the family of the late Sharon Otieno following the conviction of former governor Okoth Obado, Michael Oyamo, and Caspal Obiero for her 2018 murder. A Nairobi court found the three guilty of the killing, which occurred in September 2018 near Kodera Forest in Homa Bay county. Ayacko described the verdict as a "painful moment" for all involved, extending prayers to Sharon's family for strength and comfort. He also acknowledged the difficult time for the families of the convicted individuals, offering his thoughts and prayers to them as they confront the judgment. Lady Justice Cecilia Githua of Milimani Law Courts delivered the conviction, stating that the prosecution proved the trio's involvement, with Obado financing the killing, Oyamo playing a central role, and Obiero participating in concealing the offense. The court found their collective conduct demonstrated common intention and malice aforethought. The accused have been remanded, and their bond conditions canceled, as they await sentencing. Pre-sentence and victim impact assessment reports have been ordered and must be filed within 21 days before a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Must ReadThe UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that a planned British Army Training Unit Kenya BATUK military exercise, typically held in Laikipia, will be relocated outside Kenya for 2026. This decision was made because the UK failed to secure the necessary licenses and approvals from the Kenyan government. A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence stated that British military exercises in Kenya require formal authorization from relevant Kenyan authorities, and these licenses for the planned exercise in Laikipia were not issued. The UK expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the disappointment this may cause for communities and businesses in the Laikipia region that benefit from the economic activity generated by the exercise. Despite the relocation of this specific training, the UK affirmed its commitment to its defense partnership with Kenya and stated it would continue to engage with the Kenyan government to resume in-country training at the earliest appropriate opportunity. The Ministry of Defence emphasized that this decision applies only to the particular scheduled exercise and does not signify an end to BATUK's presence in Kenya or the broader defense relationship between the two nations.