Ministry of Roads has endorsed the ratification of the East African Community multilateral agreement on aircraft accident and incident investigations.
Roads Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen told the Departmental Committee on Transport and Infrastructure that the ratification is consistent with the Constitution and promotes constitutional values and objectives.
“It is in the interest of the country to ratify the agreement to implement an effective accident and investigation system,” Murkomen said.
The CS spoke when making a presentation of the ministry’s views on the EAC Multilateral Agreement on Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations and the protocols relating to the amendment of Articles 50 (A) and 56 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, 1994 (Chicago Convention).
The multilateral agreement was necessitated by the need to cooperate in an aircraft accident and incident investigation to provide expeditious and effective investigation services in accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and recommended practices.
Murokomen said ratification will enable Kenya and other partner states to benefit from enhanced cooperation and collaboration in investigations.
“Ratification of the agreement will be incorporated into existing frameworks that the State Department for Transport has made provisions for. There are no immediate budgetary changes envisaged in terms of financial implications,” the CS said.
The agreement is for EAC members Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania.
Partner states are required to establish, in accordance with ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan, adequately funded, professionally trained, independent and impartial aircraft accident and incident investigation bodies.
They are also required to assist in investigations by availing experts, facilities and equipment as deemed appropriate.
Partner states are further expected to ensure investigations are independent of political or other interference or pressure.
They are also expected to provide adequate resources including funding and qualified personnel for carrying out investigations.
Partner states are encouraged to enhance the development of regional institutional capacity in training and research related to aircraft accidents and incidents investigations.