Pilots demand to investigate fatal plane crash

By Steve Mkawale

The Kenya Airlines Pilots Association (KALPA) wants to be included in the team investigating the fatal helicopter crash that occurred in June 10.

The association through its Secretary General Captain Ronald Karauri said they were yet to receive response from the government on their inclusion in the probe team that was sworn in on Wednesday by Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga.

“We have written to the government through the Ministry of Transport for our participation into the helicopter crash but we are yet to get response,” said Karauri.

He made the remarks when top officials of the association met the parliamentary committee on Public Works and Housing at parliament buildings on Thursday.

The committee had summoned the pilots to shed light on alleged skewed employment policy at the Kenya Airways, which has seen the national carrier prefer hiring of expatriate staff to locals.

But members of the committee led by Matungu MP David Were asked the pilots’ opinion in regard to the helicopter crash that happened on June 10, at Ngong Forest.

The government appointed a probe team headed by High Court judge lady Justice Kaplana Rawal to investigate the cause of helicopter crash.

Three foreigners from France will join the investigation team while families of the deceased will be allowed to participate in the proceedings.

However, the pilots raised issues about the safety country’s airspace saying the government need to invest in modern technology in the aviation industry, as well upgrading facilities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other facilities across the country.

“JKIA need to have a modern Instrument Landing System that can be able to guide planes to land even during bad weather. The airport has ILS equipment but need to acquire better category,” said Karauri.

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