Aircraft Registration and Air Service Licensing in Kenya

Civil aviation in Kenya is regulated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) under the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, 2013, in line with Kenya's obligations as a signatory to the Chicago Convention and ICAO standards.

Aircraft registration

No aircraft may operate in or over Kenya unless it has been registered with the Authority and issued a Certificate of Registration, which must be carried aboard for every flight. This is a distinct step from the Certificate of Airworthiness, which confirms the aircraft is actually safe to fly — both are required before commercial operation.

Air service licensing

Any entity operating commercial air services needs an Air Service Licence from the KCAA under the Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations. Minimum conditions generally include being registered in Kenya, maintaining a registered office and premises here, disclosing shareholders and directors, and issuing at least 51% of shares to Kenyans. Applications can involve publication in the Kenya Gazette and a public hearing before a decision is issued.

Personnel and organisational licensing

Beyond aircraft and operators, the KCAA separately licenses pilots, air traffic controllers, aircraft maintenance engineers, and approved maintenance organisations — each governed by its own set of regulations that require renewal and ongoing compliance.

Road and logistics transport

Outside civil aviation, road transport operators fall under the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) framework, covering vehicle licensing, driver certification, and public service vehicle compliance — a separate but related regulatory track for businesses moving goods or people commercially.

Where we come in

We advise on aircraft registration and transfer, air service licence applications, and regulatory compliance for aviation and transport operators — structuring the Kenyan shareholding and governance requirements the KCAA expects to see from day one.

This article is general information, not legal advice, and reflects the law as it currently stands. Rates, fees, and procedures are subject to change.