MP queries delay in Skyward Airlines operations inquiry

Queries have been raised over the delayed opening of an inquiry into the operations of Skyward Express Airline following a petition by an MP over the safety of its flights.

The petition by Loima MP Protus Akuja was filed in September last year and approved by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula but the inquiry is yet to commence.

Akuja argues that the airline’s safety standards posed danger to passengers and wanted the National Assembly’s Public Petitions Committee to probe the airline based at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.

Questionable standards

“I, the undersigned on behalf of concerned citizens in the Republic of Kenya draw the attention of the House that in the recent past, the airline has experienced incidents that have made the commitment of the airline to the maintenance of minimum flight safety standards questionable,” Akuja said in a petition.

“Such mishaps include tyres refusing to open when some Skyward Express aeroplanes are almost landing; unknown sounds from the planes while mid-flight, and smoke emanating from the wings.”

Akuja claimed that the airline, which offers scheduled flights to Kitale‚ Kakamega‚ Mombasa‚ Lamu‚ Eldoret‚ Diani‚ Lodwar, Malindi and Migori charges exorbitant ticket prices that are highest on all the routes.

Since then the Public Petitions Committee chaired by Kitui East Nimrod Mbai is yet to initiate the inquiry as directed by the Speaker.

More information

When contacted yesterday, Akuja said only the committee chairman could explain the delay in the opening of the inquiry.

“I am currently out of the country but you can talk to the committee chairman for more information,” Akuja said in a text message. Mbai did not respond to numerous calls we made to him.

According to Akuja his efforts to have the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority address the matter has been futile and now wants the committee to ensure that mandatory and regular maintenance of aircraft is certified by the authority.