Kenya Airways (KQ) has addressed allegations that one of its pilots flew its aeroplanes for eight years without a pilots licence.

In a statement, the national carrier called the reports fake, advising the public to disregard the allegations.

"Our attention has been drawn to a news story circulating on online blogs and different social media platforms alleging that a Keryar Pilot flew for Kenya Airways for 8 years without a Pilot's license. The General Public is advised to treat this as fake news as no such pilot has ever flown for Kenya Airways," KQ stated.

According to the carrier, all Kenya Airways pilots and crew undergo rigorous training, background, and security checks to ensure they are qualified to operate.

"Further due diligence is conducted while vetting applicants including verification of documents from the institution where an applicant attended training KQ operates in a highly regulated environment with regular audits from a number of regulators across its network," KQ added.

"All pilot licenses are issued and renewed annually by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), upon establishing that the holder has met required knowledge and experiences."

Fake KQ pilot reports

The reports that an unqualified pilot was flying KQ planes emerged in 2021, with KCAA writing to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) claiming that the man in question was not licensed to fly commercial flights.

The pilot was alleged to have forged his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education to attain the minimum requirements to undertake a pilot course.

“Reference is made to your letter dated January 25, 2021, seeking clarification on the license of [name withheld],” said KCAA in their letter to the DCI. 

“[Name withheld], a holder of Kenyan Identification Card Number [hidden] applied for and was issued a Student Pilot License (SPL) number [hidden] on August 8, 2011. The Student Pilot License expired on July 28, 2013,” said KCAA.

The regulator said it does not play any part in verifying the documents submitted to it by an aviation school. The agency said the onus is on the aviation school to do its due diligence while vetting its students’ eligibility.

After the “quack” pilot’s student license expired on July 28, 2013, there was no attempt of renewing the learner’s license, or getting an operating license, KCAA said. By Francis Muli, K24 Digital

Governor Wavinya Ndeti has said Machakos County was ready to tackle disasters and emergencies linked to the El-Niño rains whose onset in the region is expected in a few days.

Wavinya said the county emergency teams have adequately been trained and equipped to offer rescue and evacuation services to residents who may be affected by the effects of heavy rains. 

The governor, who spoke on Friday, also that revealed some 105 officers have received specialized first responder training in live-saving medical care, emergency operations and pre-hospital care providers.

The training also targeted ambulance drivers, emergency dispatchers and fire engine operators. 

“As a government, we have taken it upon ourselves to deploy a proactive approach in dealing with the high possibility of extreme weather conditions, which most likely will trigger the need for emergency response,” she said.

Wavinya was speaking on Friday at her White House office in Machakos where she unveiled the county El-Niño multi-agency preparedness plan.

She went on: “El-Niño is bound to hit our region hard and even cause flooding and landslides in some regions within Machakos. As your governor, I am committing to do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of all residents and that of their property.”

To effectively deal with the El-Niño effects, Wavinya said her government had engaged scientists and meteorologists to provide accurate forecasts and early warnings. 

“Their knowledge and expertise will guide us in understanding the potential risks and impacts of El-Niño in our county,” she said.

She also urged residents to observe and maintain high standards of hygiene in order to keep waterborne diseases at bay.

“Parents should also ensure the safety of their children and particularly warn them against swimming in swollen rivers and flooded areas. Motorists should also avoid approaching overflowing bridges and swollen river crossings,” Wavinya said.

Deputy Governor, Francis Mwangangi lauded the governor for taking a proactive approach in dealing with the expected emergencies.

“We laud the governor for not only showing the way but walking the talk in ensuring our teams are adequately prepared to deal with the challenge of El-Niño, which often comes with devastating effects,” said Mwangangi, pledging full support to the governor. 

County Director of Emergency Services, David Mwongela said an Emergency Operation Center  has been set up complete with standby first responders.

“Our emergency responders have been deployed to all the sub-counties, especially in likely hot spot areas that we have already mapped out. We have also released emergency call numbers to the Emergency Operation Centre which will be manned on a 24-hour basis,” said Mwongela.

At the same time, county director of nursing, Halima Aden said all medical staff across the 189 public health facilities have been activated ahead of the anticipated rainy season. “We have involved all our healthcare stakeholders including Community Health Promoters in advance to seal off any possible loopholes of disasters linked to El-Niño,” she said.

Various county government departments including Health, Water, Agriculture, Devolution and Trade exhibited various tools, equipment and master plans of dealing with emergencies and disasters. By Erastus Mulwa, The Standard

Britain’s Supreme Court is deliberating on a profoundly impactful case that could change the landscape of the nation’s immigration policy. The court is considering the legality of the government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a decision expected to be made in mid-December. 

Case Urgency

The case’s urgency is at the heart of the discussion, with government lawyers advocating for swift action. These lawyers argue the need to proceed quickly with the deportation scheme, stating it as a crucial aspect in controlling the country’s immigration influx. However, the opposition has raised concerns about the potential for human rights violations and the welfare of those individuals being deported.

Critics Call Deportation Plan Inhumane

Opponents of the deportation plan have decried it as inhumane and potentially endangering vulnerable individuals. They argue that the government’s policy could put asylum seekers at risk, particularly those who might face persecution or violence upon their return to Rwanda.

Significant Implications

The Supreme Court’s decision will have extensive implications for the government’s immigration policy. A ruling in favour of the government could potentially pave the way for similar deportation plans. Conversely, a ruling against the government could set a precedent that may alter the way immigration rules are interpreted and applied in the future. 

Awaited Decision

The Supreme Court’s president has suggested that a decision could be made by mid-December. In the meantime, both sides of the argument are anxiously waiting for the ruling, which will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the country’s immigration policy and its treatment of asylum seekers.  by Ayesha Mumtaz, BNN