The Ministry of Roads has given its endorsement for the ratification of the East African Community (EAC) multilateral agreement on aircraft accident and incident investigations. Kipchumba Murkomen, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, conveyed to the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure that the ratification aligns with the Constitution and upholds constitutional values and objectives.
According to Murkomen, implementing an effective accident and investigation system is in the country’s best interest. He made these remarks while presenting the ministry’s stance on the EAC Multilateral Agreement on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, as well as the protocols related to the amendment of Articles 50 (A) and 56 to the 1994 Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation.
The need for this multilateral agreement arises from the importance of cooperation in aircraft accident and incident investigations, ensuring prompt and effective investigation services adhering to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s standards and recommended practices.
By ratifying the agreement, Kenya and other partner states stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation and collaboration in investigations. The ratification process will be integrated into the existing frameworks established by the State Department for Transport, with no immediate budgetary changes anticipated in terms of financial implications, as stated by the CS.
The agreement encompasses EAC members, including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Tanzania. Each partner state is required to establish adequately funded, professionally trained, independent, and impartial aircraft accident and incident investigation bodies, in accordance with the ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan.
Furthermore, partner states are obligated to provide assistance in investigations by offering experts, facilities, and equipment as needed. It is essential for the investigations to remain independent from political or any other external interference or pressure. Additionally, partner states must allocate adequate resources, including funding and qualified personnel, to carry out these investigations effectively.