The Kenya Air Force has raised urgent concerns over the steady spread of illegal buildings near Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, warning that the encroachments could undermine both security and operational readiness.
Officials say the unplanned structures not only endanger military operations but could also obstruct emergency response and evacuation procedures.
During a briefing on Thursday with the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations, Embakasi Base Commandant Brigadier Kapkori explained that the continued rise in unauthorised developments has made the situation increasingly critical.
“Structures have been put up, and they are compromising the security of the base. Efforts to report this to the county government have proved futile since more structures keep coming up,” he said.
Committee members pressed for details on why complaints had not led to immediate action. Kapkori noted that encroachments tend to increase during election periods and emphasised that the airbase does not have authority to remove occupants, as this falls under the jurisdiction of the County Government.
The committee was briefed on Moi Air Base’s key strategic role. Its central location in Nairobi makes it essential for emergency landings, rapid evacuations, and other urgent defence operations. Members observed that upgrading the base’s facilities and equipment is critical to maintaining readiness and effectiveness.
“We will endeavour to support the Force. For every need that the Force has, you must have a plan. For every challenge you have, have a plan and bring it to the Ministry of Defence. We pledge to support adequate resource allocation to modernise the Kenya Air Force,” said Vice Chairperson Bashir Abdullaih (Mandera North).
Kenya Air Force officials also highlighted the need for public awareness campaigns about the airbase’s importance and requested assistance in reclaiming and securing title deeds for the remaining 118.82 hectares of land under its control.
The matter of building encroachment has previously drawn the attention of President William Ruto. Speaking during the Kenya Air Force’s 60th Anniversary celebrations, he warned against developers exceeding legal height limits near the base, noting that high-rise constructions interfere with air operations.
“Let me commit that in discussions with the county government of Nairobi, we will ensure that this facility does not lose its premier position and all buildings beyond the heights that are provided for in law. We will work with the county to ensure that all developers keep to the standards that we have agreed with the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Defence Forces,” Ruto stated.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, however, has taken a different approach. In March 2023, he removed floor limits for high-rise buildings near airports, allowing constructions up to 25 floors.
The previous four-floor limit was intended to support presidential evacuation during emergencies. Sakaja justified the change by pointing to Nairobi’s expanding population and the city’s limited space for horizontal growth.
“There was a restriction on houses, especially close to the Eastleigh Airbase. These restrictions were in place to aid the evacuation of the President during an emergency. However, I requested the President to remove the limit, which he agreed to. Nairobi is 696 square kilometres, in 2050 the population will be 10.5 million people, and since we can’t expand the city, the only way to go is up,” Sakaja said.
The situation underscores the challenge of balancing urban development with national security priorities, with the Kenya Air Force urging coordinated action to safeguard one of the country’s key military installations.