Six people are now confirmed to have died after an AMREF aircraft crashed in Mwihoko, Nairobi, on Thursday, 7, 2025.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has revealed that the aircraft lost contact with Air Traffic Control just three minutes after taking off from Wilson Airport, raising questions about what went wrong in the critical moments after departure.

KCAA Director General Emile Arao said the aircraft lost both radar and radio communication at 2:17 pm, moments before it went down.

He confirmed that the plane was carrying four people, two crew members and two medical personnel, on an emergency medical mission to Hargeisa, Somalia.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident involving an air ambulance mission,” Arao said.

“Our immediate priority is to support rescue efforts and provide all necessary assistance to the families affected,” he added.

Kiambu County Commissioner Henry Wafula confirmed the deaths and added that those who were seriously injured had been taken to hospital for treatment.

In response to the crash, Arao said the Kenya Defence Forces and the National Police Service were deployed swiftly and are leading ongoing rescue and recovery operations at the crash site.

Arao also noted that the Air Accident Investigation Department (AAID) has launched a full investigation to determine what caused the crash.

AMREF Flying Doctors also confirmed the loss of the aircraft.

“The aircraft took off from Wilson at 1417hrs en-route to Hargeisa, Somalia and crashed at Mwihoko area, Nairobi,” said AMREF Flying Doctors CEO and Accountable Manager Stephen Gitau.

"On board were four crew members, a Captain, First Officer, Doctor, and Nurse. Tragically, two members of the community at the crash site also lost their lives. We confirm with deep regret that there were no survivors."

The organisation said their priority is to support affected families and cooperate with aviation investigators.

“At this time, we are cooperating fully with relevant aviation authorities and emergency response teams to establish the facts surrounding the situation,” said Gitau.

“Our immediate focus is on the safety and well-being of those on board and providing full support to their families and colleagues.”

Gitau added that AMREF is doing everything possible to assist those affected and will continue to work closely with KCAA and other relevant agencies during the investigation.

“We respectfully ask for patience and understanding as we manage this evolving situation with care and accuracy. Further information will be provided as soon as it is confirmed,” he said.