License, certify or register an airstrip or aerodrome
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
You can't operate an aerodrome or airstrip in Kenya until KCAA licenses, certifies or registers it. Apply to KCAA on the aerodrome application form with your aerodrome manual, site plan and EIA report, pay through KCAA eCitizen, and KCAA checks the site; a licence lasts 2 years.
- Fee
- KSh 50,000Category D and E (private airstrips/helipads): inspection and issue of licence (excl. VAT)KSh 100,000Category C (national and private aerodromes): inspection and issue of licence (excl. VAT)KSh 500,000Category B (secondary international aerodromes): inspection and issue of licence (excl. VAT)KSh 1,000,000Category A (primary international aerodromes): inspection and issue of certificate (excl. VAT)KSh 10,000Approval of aerodrome manual (excl. VAT)
- Where
- KCAA, Aviation House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (certificate applications by email to info@kcaa.or.ke, copy gops@kcaa.or.ke); pay on the KCAA eCitizen portal
What you need
- Filled aerodrome licence application form
- An aerodrome manual
- A site plan of the aerodrome
- An environmental impact assessment (EIA) report
- Approval from any other relevant authority
- For an existing Category E strip: the landowner's written permission or proof you own the land
Steps
- Work out whether your aerodrome needs a licence, a certificate or (for a small Category E strip) registration. All three are issued by KCAA.
- Fill in the aerodrome licence application form and send it to KCAA with your aerodrome manual, site plan, EIA report and other approvals.
- Pay the KCAA charges on the KCAA eCitizen portal (ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke).
- KCAA inspects the aerodrome and its surroundings to confirm they are safe for aircraft and that you meet security rules.
- KCAA issues the licence. It is valid for 2 years.
Watch out
- Apply to renew your licence 60 days before it expires.
- For a Category E strip, apply in writing with KCAA's self-reporting form. KCAA visits to check the facilities before registering it.
- An aerodrome certificate needs more paperwork: an SMS manual, a bird and wildlife hazard manual and an aerodrome emergency plan.
Who can apply
- Anyone who operates or plans to operate an aerodrome, airstrip or helipad in Kenya.
- For a licence, KCAA must find you competent to run it: your experience, equipment, organisation, staff and maintenance arrangements.
- Small strips used only by domestic aircraft up to 5,700 kg are Category E and are registered rather than licensed.
Official sources (6)
- Licensing of Aerodromes kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Certification of Aerodromes kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Category E Aerodromes 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 12/23: Services and payment of services through eCitizen kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- KCAA eCitizen portal ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026