A detailed investigation has been launched into the plane crash in Kwale County that killed 11 people, as government and international teams intensify recovery and evidence collection efforts at the Tsimba Golini site in Matuga.
Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika said the inquiry, led by the Air Accident Investigation Department, is expected to run for 30 days to allow experts to conduct a full analysis of the wreckage and determine the cause of the accident.
“Since the accident occurred, a team from the Air Accident Investigation Department was deployed here to begin investigations, and they are doing their work in line with Annexe 13 of the International Civil Aviation Convention,” Mbaika said after inspecting the scene on Wednesday.
She said the government is determined to provide a transparent and comprehensive report once the investigation concludes, stressing that Kenya is working closely with both domestic and foreign aviation authorities.
“We want to assure the public that the safety of our passengers is our top priority,” she said, describing the crash as a painful and unexpected tragedy. “The government is determined to get to the bottom of the matter and know exactly what might have caused this tragic incident.”
Mbaika said Kwale County has joined the recovery operation to assist with logistics and provide equipment such as excavators to help retrieve remains and parts of the aircraft buried under debris. She added that DNA analysis will be carried out to help identify all victims.
According to the PS, most of the victims were from Germany and Hungary, and their families have been informed. She said the two countries will participate in the investigation in coordination with the Kenyan government.
“On behalf of myself and the Government of Kenya, I extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost their loved ones,” she said.
Aircraft Accident Investigation Department Director Fredrick Kabunge said the site mapping is ongoing to ensure all debris and evidence are properly documented.
“The team aims to thoroughly comb the area in line with the provisions of Annexe 13, ensuring no evidence is overlooked,” he said.
He added that Kenya has reached out to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and to the aircraft’s manufacturing state to collaborate in the probe as required under international protocols.
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Director General Emile Arao said the Mombasa Air Safari aircraft, registration number 5Y-CCA, was heading from Diani to Kichwa Tembo in the Maasai Mara when it went down on Tuesday morning.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said all 11 occupants of the aircraft perished in the crash. He confirmed that investigators from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Department are leading a detailed examination to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mombasa Air Safari said the aircraft was carrying 10 tourists—eight from Hungary and two from Germany—together with a Kenyan pilot.
