Major overhaul as KCAA unveils 29 new civil aviation regulations 2025

By , April 9, 2026

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has officially announced the publication and upload of 29 revised Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations, 2025, marking a major milestone in strengthening the country’s aviation sector.

In a public notice issued on their X handle on Thursday, April 9, 2026, KCAA has informed all aviation stakeholders that the updated regulations have been formally published in the Kenya Gazette pursuant to the Civil Aviation Act and are now accessible on the authority’s official website. The Authority has said that the move is in a bid to enhance aviation safety, security, and regulatory oversight in line with international standards.

“KCAA hereby notifies all aviation stakeholders that twenty-nine (29) revised Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations, which have been published in the Kenya Gazette pursuant to the Civil Aviation Act, have been uploaded on the KCAA website,” KCAA stated.

A statement by KCAA.PHOTO/A screengrab by People Daily Digital posted by @CAA_Kenya/X.

The new rules cover many different areas of aviation, such as air navigation services, aircraft operations, licensing, safety management, environmental protection, and new areas like unmanned aircraft systems (drones).

KCAA says that the new framework is meant to bring the aviation industry up to date by bringing it in line with best practices from around the world and meeting changing technological and operational needs. The authorities emphasised that the publication of these regulations represents a significant step toward improving efficiency, accountability, and safety across Kenya’s aviation ecosystem.

Compliance requirements for stakeholders

KCAA has told all interested parties, such as airlines, operators, maintenance organisations, and aviation workers, to act quickly to make sure they follow the rules. These include reviewing the new regulations, aligning internal systems and procedures, updating operational manuals, and ensuring staff are adequately trained on the revised requirements.

KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao during a past event. PHOTO@CAA_Kenya/X
KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao during a past event. PHOTO@CAA_Kenya/X

The authority also made it clear that all licences, certificates, and approvals that were issued before the new rules will stay valid until they expire or until KCAA changes or cancels them. This transitional arrangement is intended to allow a smooth shift to the new regulatory framework without disrupting ongoing operations.

Stakeholders are encouraged to read the full rules on the KCAA website and take steps to make sure they follow the new legal and operational rules.

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