Convert or validate a foreign pilot licence
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
To fly a Kenyan-registered aircraft on a foreign pilot licence you need KCAA authorisation: validation for short-term work (valid 1 year) or conversion to a Kenyan licence for long-term flying. Either way, start with an eligibility check at the KCAA Personnel Licensing office, then pass the validation or composite conversion exam.
- Fee
- KSh 2,000Validation, PPL privilegesKSh 4,500Validation, CPL privilegesKSh 8,000Validation, ATPL privilegesKSh 5,000PPL conversion examKSh 16,000CPL conversion composite paperKSh 20,000ATPL conversion composite paper
- Where
- KCAA Personnel Licensing (PEL) office; exams at KCAA Aviation House, Wing B, booked online on ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke
What you need
- Application form: validation form (M-PEL 009), or the PPL, CPL or ATPL form for conversion, plus the summary form
- Copy of your foreign licence and medical certificate (a Kenyan designated medical examiner's certificate for conversion)
- Your logbook and copies of its last two pages
- Certified copy of your ID or passport
- Conversion: four full-face photos (2cm by 2.5cm)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- A certified English translation if your licence is in another language
Steps
- Choose validation for short-term flying or conversion for long-term flying in Kenya.
- Visit the KCAA Personnel Licensing (PEL) office for an eligibility check.
- Book and pass the validation exam or the composite conversion exam.
- Hand in your application with the documents and exam results slip. KCAA contacts your licensing authority to verify your licence.
Watch out
- A validation lasts 1 year, and only while your foreign licence, ratings and medical stay valid.
- A converted CPL, ATPL or MPL must include an aircraft type rating.
- Any limitations on your foreign licence carry over.
Who can apply
- Validation: holders of a current, valid pilot licence from another ICAO member state.
- Conversion: pilots with a foreign licence who want to fly in Kenya long term.
- Validation covers short-term paid work such as demonstration, ferry and test flights.
Official sources (5)
- Foreign Licenses Validation and Conversion kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Validation of Foreign Flight Crew Licenses kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Conversion of Foreign Flight Crew Licenses kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- AIC 08/23: Charges for Air Navigation Services and Regulatory Fees kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- AIC 02/26: Licence examinations timetable for 2026 kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026