Why 41 Approved Buildings Near Wilson Airport Are Now Facing Demolition

The government now faces a difficult dilemma as it moves to demolish 41 buildings near Wilson Airport, balancing strict aviation safety rules against the interests of property owners.

First, the issue took centre stage during a Senate Roads Committee sitting on Friday, June 26, where lawmakers pressed officials to explain how the buildings ended up in protected airspace.

At the same time, authorities signalled a possible alternative by adjusting flight paths instead of enforcing demolitions.

However, senators strongly rejected that idea, warning that it could compromise safety and reward non-compliance.

As a result, lawmakers questioned why the government appears ready to accommodate developers who ignored aviation rules, yet previously demolished other non-compliant structures.

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Wilson Airport Approvals Complicate Enforcement Efforts

Meanwhile, Aviation Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika acknowledged the complexity of the situation, pointing out that several developers obtained approvals from different agencies.

“What is the easier route to deal with the matter? Is it to bring down the buildings which are on the flight path, or is it to come up with a plan that works for us because of some of these people?” she asked.

“If you go to them, some of them have approvals by various agencies, including the Nairobi County Government,” she added.

Consequently, her remarks raised concern among lawmakers, who insisted that the government must prioritise aviation safety over conflicting approvals.

Survey Reveals Serious Safety Risks

Earlier, an obstruction survey conducted between October and November 2024 examined 134 buildings within a six-kilometre radius of Wilson Airport.

The findings showed that 41 structures exceed the permitted height limits, creating serious risks during aircraft take-off and landing.

Notably, most of the buildings stand in South C, Nairobi West and Lang’ata.

In particular, one building owned by the Parliamentary Service Commission rises to about 27 metres, exceeding the 21-metre limit approved by aviation authorities.

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Regulatory Gaps Raise Accountability Questions

At the same time, the situation has exposed clear gaps in enforcement. Kenyan law requires developers to obtain clearance from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority before constructing tall structures near airports.

Although county governments issue building approvals, those permits do not override aviation safety requirements.

Therefore, lawmakers now demand accountability from all agencies involved, as pressure mounts on the government to enforce the law.

Ultimately, the government must choose between enforcing demolitions or adopting alternative measures, both of which carry significant consequences for safety, governance and public trust.

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An aerial view of the Wilson Airport. PHOTO/ Kreuzschnabel, Wikimedia Commons