Charting Regional Flightpaths: Kenya Hosts 7th East Africa CASSOA Aviation Symposium for Regional Dialogue to Transform East African Aviation

Kenya was honoured to host and participate in the 7th East Africa Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) Aviation Symposium. The symposium held every two years took place at the Pride Inn Resort in Mombasa between the 14th - 15th May 2026.

The conversations which ranged from green aviation, sustainable fuels to capacity building, safety and security, route and market development, and the role of aviation in tourism and trade mapped a clear path for the region’s aviation future. The participants identified strategic collaboration areas where alignment between aviation, tourism and trade can accelerate growth. Speaking during the symposium dinner and the closing of the event, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development Ms. Terry Mbaika proposed prioritizing of practical, joint actions in research, data sharing, cybersecurity, and skills development to empower the next generation of aviation professionals. “Our region has the talent, knowledge and the will, let us turn our shared vision into coordinated action so aviation can unlock trade, tourism, and opportunity for all East Africans” , added PS Mbaika.

The summit discussed making travel across the East Africa region easier through harmonized policies to ensure that connectivity remains central to economic growth and regional integration. Participants welcomed the generous commitment from the European Union to support capacity building, calling on the need to leverage partnerships and collaboration.

The PS called on Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAS), airports, airlines, training institutions, and all agencies to deepen collaboration, share best practice and pursue synergies. By working together these institutions will raise standards, strengthen safety and security, expand the region’s collective market share, and deliver greater benefits to the East Africa people. As the host country , Kenya is proud to have shared the warmth of the country’s  hospitality and looks forward to welcoming delegates back in September for the Africa Aviation Summit which Kenya will be privileged to host.

Present at the symposium were the Head of Delegation, United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Bernard Kibese, Mr. Brown M. M. Ondego, Chairman, Board of Directors, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), Richard Gatete, Deputy Regional Director, ICAO-ESAF, Mr. Nicholas Bodo, Ag. Director General, KCAA, Mr. Francis Lichuma, Ag. Executive Director, EAC CASSOA among other representatives of the various East Africa Civil aviation authorities and industry captains.

The State Department on behalf of the Ministry of Roads and Transport appreciates every delegate, speaker, sponsor, partner, and the aviation stakeholders who made these two days of intensive, meaningful, constructive, and forward looking engagement a success.