Kenyan legislation

The Civil Aviation (Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks) Regulations, 2025

Edition: 2026-03-03 · In force

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Part I – PRELIMINARY

1. Citation

These Regulations may be cited as the Civil Aviation (Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks) Regulations, 2025.

2. Interpretation

In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—“Act" means the Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 394);“aeroplane” means a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces which remain fixed under given conditions of flight;“aircraft” means any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface;“airship” means a power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft;“balloon” means a non-power-driven lighter-than-air aircraft;“commercial air transport” means an aircraft operation involving the transport of passengers, cargo, or mail for remuneration or hire;“Contracting State” means a state that is a signatory to the Convention on International Civil Aviation;“fireproof material” means a material capable of withstanding heat as well as or better than steel when the dimensions in both cases are appropriate for the specific purpose;“glider” means a non-power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft, deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic reactions on surfaces, which remain fixed under given conditions of flight;“gyroplane” means a heavier-than-air aircraft, supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors which rotate freely on substantially vertical axes;“heavier-than-air aircraft” means any aircraft deriving its lift in flight chiefly from aerodynamic forces;“helicopter” means a heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by the reactions of the air on one or more power-driven rotors on substantially vertical axes;“ICAO” means International Civil Aviation Organization;“lighter-than-air” aircraft means any aircraft supported chiefly by its buoyancy in the air;“ornithopter” means heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight chiefly by reactions of the air on planes to which a flapping motion is imparted;“remotely-piloted-aircraft (RPA)” means an unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station;“rotorcraft” means a power-driven heavier-than-air aircraft supported in flight by the reactions of the air on one or more rotors;“State of Registry” means the Contracting State on whose register an aircraft is entered;“Tribunal” means the National Civil Aviation Administrative Review Tribunal established under the Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 394); and“sea plane” means an aero plane equipped with floats or other devices enabling it to land and take off from the surface of water.

Part II – AIRCRAFT REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

3. General provisions

(1)These Regulations shall apply to civil aircraft registered in Kenya —

(2)These Regulations shall not apply to Meteorological pilot balloons used exclusively for meteorological purposes or unmanned free balloons without a payload, except as otherwise expressly provided.

4. Eligibility for registration

(1)A person shall not operate a civil aircraft, that is eligible for registration under these regulations as described in the First schedule of these regulations unless—

(a)for an aircraft eligible for registration under the laws of Kenya, the aircraft has been registered by the operator or its owner in accordance with these Regulations and the Authority has issued a certificate of registration for that aircraft which shall be carried aboard that aircraft for all operations; or

(b)it is registered in—

(i)a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; or

(ii)some other State in relation to which there is in force an agreement between the Government of Kenya and the Government of that State which makes provisions for the flight over Kenya of aircraft registered in that State.

(2)Subject to this regulation, an aircraft shall not be registered or continue to be registered in Kenya where—

(a)the aircraft is registered outside of Kenya;

(b)an unqualified person is entitled as owner to any legal or beneficial interest in the aircraft or to any share therein;

(c)it would be inexpedient in the public interest for the aircraft to be or to continue to be registered in Kenya; or

(d)the aircraft does not qualify to be issued with a certificate of airworthiness as specified in the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations.

(3)A person shall not operate or fly an aircraft unless it bears painted thereon or affixed thereto, in the manner required by these Regulations in which it is registered, the nationality and registration marks required by that law.

(4)An aircraft shall not bear any marks which purport to indicate that the aircraft is—

(a)registered in a State in which it is not in fact registered; or

(b)a State aircraft of a particular State if it is not in fact such an aircraft unless the appropriate authority of that State has sanctioned the bearing of such marks.

(5)The Authority shall be responsible for the registration of aircraft in Kenya and shall maintain a register on its premises and shall record in it the particulars specified in regulation 7.

5. Classification of Aircraft

(1)Aircraft shall be classified in accordance with table 1 in the First Schedule of these Regulations.

(2)An aircraft which is intended to be operated with no pilot on board shall be further classified as unmanned.

(3)Unmanned aircraft shall include unmanned free balloons and remotely piloted aircraft.

6. Eligibility for registration

(1)An aircraft is eligible for registration if it is—

(a)either owned or leased by a citizen of Kenya, an individual citizen of a foreign State who is lawfully admitted for residency in Kenya, a corporation with at least 51% Kenyan share holder lawfully organized and doing business under the laws of Kenya, or a government entity of Kenya; and

(b)not registered under the laws of any foreign country.

(2)The following persons shall be qualified to be the owners of a legal or beneficial interest in an aircraft registered in Kenya, or a share therein—

(a)the Government of Kenya;

(b)citizens of Kenya or persons bona fide resident in Kenya;

(c)such other persons as the Authority may approve, on condition that the aircraft is not used for commercial air transport, flying training or aerial work and such other conditions as the Authority may specify; and

(d)bodies corporate—

(i)established under subject laws of Kenya; or

(ii)established under and subject to the laws of such country as the Authority may approve

(3)If an unqualified person residing or having a place of business in Kenya is entitled as owner to a legal or beneficial interest in an aircraft, or a share therein, the Authority, upon being satisfied that the aircraft may otherwise be properly registered, may register the aircraft in Kenya and that person shall not cause or permit the aircraft while it is registered in pursuance of this subregulation to be used for the purpose of commercial air transport operations or aerial work.

(4)If an aircraft is leased or is the subject of a lease, charter or hire purchase agreement to a person qualified under subregulation (2), the Authority may, whether or not an unqualified person is entitled as owner to a legal or beneficial interest therein, register the aircraft in the names of the parties to the charter or hire purchase agreement upon being satisfied that the aircraft may otherwise remain so registered during the continuation of the lease, charter or hire-purchase agreement.

7. Application for Registration of aircraft

(1)A person who wishes to register an aircraft in Kenya shall submit an application for aircraft registration to the Authority aircraft for registration on a form specified by the Authority and each application shall—

(a)satisfy the requirements of regulation 6;

(b)show evidence identifying ownership; and

(c)be signed in a manner specified by the Authority.

(2)The application for aircraft registration shall be submitted with the prescribed fee to the Authority.

(3)An application for the registration of an aircraft in Kenya may be made by, or on behalf of the owner provided that—

(a)the applicant is legally entitled to the aircraft;

(b)a written notice is submitted to the Authority identifying the person making the application on behalf of the owner;

(c)in case of a body corporate, a written notice identifying an officer of the body corporate, and address, who may be served with documents, including the registration certificate issued by the Authority;

(d)for imported aircraft with previous registration of a foreign country, a statement issued by the authority responsible for registration of aircraft in that country stating when the registration was cancelled;

(e)a description of the aircraft that identifies it by reference to its manufacturer;

(f)if the aircraft has previously been registered in Kenya or anywhere else particulars of the registration mark, if it has been reserved for the aircraft;

(g)the name and address of each person who holds a proprietary interest in the aircraft and a description of the person’s property interest;

(h)the name and address of the registered owner if different from paragraph (d);

(i)physical station where the aircraft will be usually stationed;

(j)name and signature of the applicant;

(k)date of the application;

(l)there is an Export certificate of airworthiness or similarly titled equivalent document providing confirmation of a recent satisfactory review of the Airworthiness status of the aircraft issued by the previous contracting state of registry; and

(m)any other specified requirement by the Authority.

(4)Application for aircraft registration and issuing a Certificate of Registration shall follow airworthiness certification process specified by the Authority.

(5)Subject to this regulation, the register of unmanned free balloons shall contain the date, time and location of release, the type of balloon and the name of the operator.

8. Registration of aircraft

(1)Upon receiving an application for the registration of an aircraft and being satisfied that the aircraft may properly be so registered, the Authority shall register the aircraft, and shall include in the register and on the certificate the following particulars—

(a)the nationality mark of the aircraft, and the registration mark assigned to it by the Authority;

(b)the name of the manufacturer and the manufacturer's designation of the aircraft;

(c)the serial number of the aircraft;

(d)the name of certificate holder;

(e)address of the certificate holder;

(f)name or logo of the Authority;

(g)the number of the certificate;

(h)name and contact information of owner, if different from certificate holder; and

(i)conditions with regard to which it is registered.

(2)The Authority shall maintain a current register showing for each aircraft registered in Kenya the information recorded on the certificate of registration and any other information required by the Authority.

(3)The Authority may provide information to ICAO or to other ICAO Contracting States as to aircraft registration and or ownership status of any aircraft in Kenya as necessary.

(4)The Authority may maintain recordings of encumbrances in aircraft and of irrevocable de-registration and export authorizations (IDERAs) and certified designee confirmation letters (CDCLs), as applicable.

9. Certificate of registration

(1)The Authority shall furnish to the person or persons in whose name or names the aircraft is registered, in this regulation referred to as the “registered owner”, a certificate of registration, issued in English and as set out in the Second Schedule, which shall include the particulars specified in regulation 8 and the date on which the certificate was issued.

(2)Subject to regulation 8, if at any time after an aircraft has been registered in Kenya an unqualified person becomes entitled as owner to a legal or beneficial interest in the aircraft or share therein, or the ownership of that aircraft is transferred to a person not qualified under the provisions of regulation 8, the registration of the aircraft shall thereupon become void and the certificate of registration shall forthwith be returned by the registered owner to the Authority for cancellation.

(3)The certificate of registration, in wording and arrangement, shall be specified in the in the Second Schedule of these Regulations.

(4)The certificate of registration issued under subregulation (3) shall be in the English language.

10. Change of registration or ownership particulars

(1)A person registered as the owner of an aircraft registered in Kenya shall notify the Authority in writing of—

(a)any change in the particulars which were furnished to the Authority upon application being made for the registration of the aircraft;

(b)the destruction of the aircraft or its permanent withdrawal from use; and

(c)in the case of an aircraft registered in pursuance of regulation 8(4), the termination of the lease, charter or hire-purchase agreement.

(2)A person who becomes the owner of an aircraft registered in Kenya shall inform the Authority in writing.

(3)The Authority may, where it appears necessary or appropriate, or for purposes of updating the register in accordance with subregulation (1) and (2), correct or amend the particulars entered on the register.

(4)For purposes of this regulation reference to the registered owner of the aircraft includes, in the case of a deceased person, his legal representative and in the case of a body corporate which has been dissolved, its successor.

11. De-registration of an aircraft

(1)The Authority may de-register or cancel the registration of an aircraft under the following circumstances—

(a)upon application by the registered owner for purposes of registering the aircraft in another state or for any other purpose; or

(b)upon the destruction of the aircraft or its permanent withdrawal from use.

(2)The Authority shall, before de-registering an aircraft in accordance with this regulation, require the registered owner to—

(a)return to the Authority the certificate of aircraft registration;

(b)settles any liens or encumbrances attached to the aircraft;

(c)remove all nationality and registration marks assigned to the aircraft; and

(d)comply with any such other conditions as the Authority may specify.

(3)The Authority shall, issue a certificate of deregistration, in wording and arrangement, which is specified in Third Schedule

(4)The certificate of deregistration issued under subregulation (3) shall be in the English language.

Part III – NATIONALITY AND REGISTRATION MARKS

12. Marking and manner of affixation

(1)A person shall not operate an aircraft registered in Kenya unless it displays nationality and registration marks in accordance with the requirements of these Regulations.

(2)The marks used to identify the nationality of Kenya shall conform to the requirements outlined in regulation 13 followed by a series of numbers or letters assigned by the Authority.

(3)Unless otherwise authorized by the Authority, a person shall not place on any aircraft a design, mark or symbol that modifies or confuses the nationality and registration marks.

(4)When letters are used for the registration mark, combinations shall not be used which might be confused with—

(a)the three-letter combinations beginning with Q used in the Q Code;

(b)five-letter combinations used in the International Code of Signals;

(c)the distress signal SOS, or other similar urgent signals, for example XXX, PAN and TTT; or

(d)the marks used shall not be so similar to international marks as to be confused with the International Five Letter Code of Signals or Distress Codes or codes referenced in the current and effective International Telecommunications Regulations.

(5)Permanent marking of aircraft nationality and registration shall—

(a)be painted on the aircraft or affixed by other means ensuring a similar degree of permanence;

(b)have no ornamentation;

(c)contrast in colour with the background;

(d)be legible; and

(e)be kept clean and visible at all times.

(6)The side marks for lighter-than-air aircraft shall be so located as to be visible both from the sides and from the ground.

(7)The unmanned balloon shall carry an identification plate marked with a serial number issued by the Authority.

13. Display of marks

(1)An owner of an aircraft registered in Kenya shall display marks on that owner’s aircraft the nationality mark “5Y” followed by the registration of the aircraft consisting of three Roman Capital letters assigned by the Authority with a hyphen placed between the nationality mark and the registration mark.

(2)If, because of the aircraft configuration, it is not possible to mark the aircraft in accordance with these Regulations, the owner may apply to the Authority for a different procedure.

14. Location of marks

(1)A person shall not operate a heavier-than-air aircraft unless the aircraft is marked as follows—

(a)an aircraft with fixed wing—

(i)the marks shall be located once on the lower surface of the left wing structure of the aircraft unless they extend across the lower surfaces of both of the wings of the aircraft and shall as far as possible, the marks shall be located equidistant from the leading and trailing edges of the wing or wings with the top of the letters, and number, shall be towards the leading edge of the wing;

(ii)for an aircraft having more than one set of wings, the mark shall be placed on the lower wing or the lower set of wings, as the case maybe;

(iii)the marks shall also appear either on the fuselage, or equivalent structure, of the aircraft or on the vertical tail surface of the aircraft, and shall be on each side of the fuselage or equivalent structure between the wings and the tail surfaces;

(iv)the marks on the vertical tail surfaces shall be on each side of the vertical tail surface for aircraft with a single vertical surface, and shall be on each of the out board sides of the outer vertical surfaces of the tail structure for an aircraft with multi-vertical surface structure; and

(b)rotorcraft - the marks shall be located horizontally on both the port and starboard sides and on any of the following where it is clearly visible—

(i)on the fuselage;

(ii)on the engine cowling;

(iii)on the tank or tanks; and

(iv)on the tail boom; or

(v)on any other external surface approved by the Authority.

(2)Lighter-than-air aircraft—

(a)airship— the marks on an airship shall appear either on the hull or on the stabilizer surfaces. Where the marks appear on the hull, they shall be located lengthwise on each side of the hull and also on its upper surface on the line of symmetry. Where the marks appear on the stabilizer surfaces, they shall appear on the horizontal and on the vertical stabilizers; the marks on the horizontal stabilizer shall be located on the right half of the upper surface and on the left half of the lower surface, with the tops of the letters and numbers toward the leading edge; the marks on the vertical stabilizer shall be located on each side of the bottom half stabilizer, with the letters and numbers placed horizontally;

(b)spherical balloon other than unmanned free balloons, the marks shall appear in two places diametrically opposite and shall be located near the maximum horizontal circumference of the balloon; and

(c)non-spherical balloon other than unmanned free balloons, the marks shall appear on each side and shall be located near the maximum cross section of the balloon immediately above either the rigging band or the points of attachment of the basket suspension cable.

(3)All lighter-than-air-aircraft other than unmanned free balloons, the side marks shall be visible both from the sides and from the ground.

15. Measurement of marks

(1)A person shall not operate an aircraft unless the aircraft is marked with letters and numbers of equal height for each separate group of marks.

(2)The width of each character except the letter I and the number ‘1’) and the length of a hyphen shall be two-thirds the height of a letter or number.

(3)The characters and hyphens shall be formed by solid lines and shall be of color contrasting clearly with the background, and thickness of the lines shall be one-sixth of the height of a character.

(4)Each letter, or number, shall be separated from a letter, a number or hyphen, which precedes or follows it, by a space not less than one quarter of the width of a character (except the letter I and the number ‘1’).

(5)In the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, other than unmanned free balloons, the height of the marks shall be at least 50 centimeters.

(6)Where a lighter than air aircraft does not possess parts of sufficient size to accommodate the mark described in subregulation 5, the measurements of the marks shall be determined by the Authority taking into account of the need for the aircraft to be identified.

(7)The marks on a balloon and unmanned free balloon shall be vertical and shall be at least 50 centimeters.

(8)In case of heavier-than-air aircraft—

(a)the wing marks shall be at least 50 centimeters in height;

(b)the marks on the fuselage or equivalent structure shall be at least 30 centimeters in height without visually interfering with the outlines of the fuselage or equivalent structure;

(c)the marks on the vertical tail surface marks shall be at least 30 centimeters in height with a clearance of 5 centimeters from leading and trailing edge of the tail surface; and

(d)if the aircraft does not possess parts corresponding to those mentioned in marks are too small to accommodate in subregulation 8 (a), (b) and (c) or if the parts are too small to accommodate the marks, the measurements of the marks shall be determined by the Authority taking into account the need for the aircraft to be identified readily.

(9)In the case of rotorcraft—

(a)the marks shall be at least 30 centimeters in height, or (b) if the surface area of that part of the rotorcraft on which the marks are to be located is insufficient to enable compliance with paragraph (a);

(b)the measurements of the marks shall be determined by the Authority taking into account the need for the aircraft to be identified readily;

(c)as high as possible; or

(d)in either case the mark shall leave a clearance of 5 centimeters from the edge of that part of the rotorcraft on which the marks are located and must not interfere with the outlines of the rotorcraft.

(10)The marks shall be vertical or sloping at the same angle being an angle of no more than 30 degrees to the vertical axis.

(11)The Authority may allow special cases for size and locations of nationality and registrations marks—

(a)if either one of the surfaces authorised for displaying required marks is large enough for display of marks meeting the size requirements of this section and the other is not, the full-size marks shall be placed on the larger surface;

(b)if neither surface is large enough for full-size marks, the Authority may approve marks as large as practicable for display on the larger of the two surfaces;

(c)if, because of the aircraft configuration, it is not possible to mark the aircraft in accordance with this part, the owner may apply to the Authority for approval of location and size.

16. Types of characters for nationality and registration marks

A person shall not operate an aircraft unless the aircraft is marked with—

(a)capital letters in Roman characters without ornamentation;

(b)numbers shall be Arabic numbers without ornamentation.

17. Deviations for size and location of marks

(1)Where either one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks is large enough for display of marks meeting the size requirements of these Regulations and the other is not, the registered owner shall place full-size marks on the larger surface.

(2)Where, neither surface is large enough for full-size marks; the Authority may approve marks as large as practicable for display on the larger of the two surfaces.

18. Removal of marks

When an aircraft registered in Kenya is sold, the holder of the certificate of registration shall upon de-registration remove, before its delivery to the purchaser, all nationality and registration marks of Kenya, unless the purchaser is a citizen or other legal entity as prescribed in regulation 4(1).

19. Identification plate-required

The owner shall affix to each aircraft registered under plate these Regulations an identification plate—

(a)inscribed with aircraft type, model, serial number, nationality and registration marks;

(b)made of fireproof metal or other fireproof material of suitable physical properties;

(c)secured to the aircraft in a prominent position, near the main entrance, or in the case of an unmanned free balloon, affixed conspicuously to the exterior of the payload; and

(d)in the case of a remotely piloted aircraft, secured in a prominent position near the main entrance or compartment or affixed conspicuously to the exterior of the aircraft if there is no main entrance or compartment.

Part IV – GENERAL PROVISIONS

20. Inspection of certificate of registration

A person who holds a certificate of registration required by these Regulations shall present it for inspection upon a request from the Authority or any other person authorized by the Authority.

21. Change of name

(1)A holder of a certificate issued under these Regulations may apply to change the name on the certificate.

(2)The holder shall include with any such request—

(a)the current certificate; and

(b)a court order, or other legal document verifying the name change.

(3)The Authority may change the certificate and issue a replacement of the certificate.

(4)The Authority shall return to the holder the original documents specified in subregulation 2(b) of this regulation and retain copies thereof and return the replaced certificate with the appropriate endorsement.

22. Change of Address

(1)A holder of a certificate, issued under these Regulations shall notify the Authority of the change in the physical and mailing address and shall do so in the case of—

(a)the physical address, at least fourteen days in advance; and

(b)the mailing address upon the change.

(2)A person who fails to notify the Authority of the change in the physical address within the time frame specified in subregulation (1) shall not exercise the privileges of the certificate.

23. Replacement of certificate

(1)A person may apply to the Authority in the prescribed form for replacement of certificate of registration issued under these Regulations if such certificate is defaced, lost or destroyed.

(2)The Authority may issue a replacement C of R upon lapse of 30 days from the date of gazettement of the loss or destruction.

24. Certificate, suspension and revocations

(1)The Authority may, where it considers it to be in the public interest, suspend provisionally, pending further investigation, any certificate issued, granted having effect under these Regulations:Provided that, whether or not such further investigation has been completed, a provisional suspension under this subregulation shall, if not otherwise terminated, cease to have effect after 28 days.

(2)The Authority may, upon the completion of an investigation which has shown sufficient ground to its satisfaction and where it considers it to be in the public interest, revoke, suspend or vary any document issued or granted under these Regulations.

(3)The Authority may, where it considers it to be in the public interest, prevent any person or aircraft from flying.

(4)A holder or any person having the possession or custody of any document which have been revoked, suspended or varied under these Regulations shall surrender it to the Authority within 14 days from the date of revocation, suspension or variation.

(5)The breach of any condition subject to which any document has been granted or issued under these Regulations shall render the document invalid during the continuance of the breach.

25. Use and retention of certificates and records

(1)A person shall not—

(a)use any certificate issued under these Regulations which has been forged, altered or to which he is not entitled;

(b)forge or alter any certificate issued under these Regulations;

(c)lend any certificate issued under these Regulations to any other person; or

(d)make any false representation for the purpose of procuring for himself or any other person the issue or change of any such certificate.

(2)During the period for which it is required under these Regulations to be preserved, a person shall not mutilate, alter, render illegible or destroy any records, or any entry made therein, required by or under these Regulations to be maintained, or knowingly make, or procure or assist in the making of, any false entry in any such record, or wilfully omit to make a material entry in such record.

(3)All records required to be maintained by or under these Regulations shall be recorded in a permanent and indelible material.

(4)A person shall not purport to issue any certificate for the purpose of these Regulations unless he is authorised to do so under these Regulations.

(5)A person shall not issue any certificate of the kind referred to in subregulation (4) unless he has satisfied himself that all statements in the certificate are correct, and that the applicant is qualified to hold that certificate.

26. Reports of violation

(1)Any person who knows of a violation of the Act, or any rule, regulation, or order issued there-under, shall report it to the Authority.

(2)The Authority will determine the nature and type of any additional investigation or enforcement action that need to be taken.

27. Enforcement of directions

(1)The Authority shall take enforcement action on any regulated entity that fails to comply with the provisions of these Regulations.

(2)Inspectors of the Authority holding valid delegations shall take necessary action to preserve safety where an undesirable condition has been detected.

(3)The action(s) referred to in subregulation (2) may include—

(a)in the case of a regulated entity, imposition of operating restrictions until such a time that the existing undesirable condition has been resolved; and

(b)in the case of a licensed personnel, require that the individual does not exercise the privileges of the license until such a time that the undesirable condition has been resolved.

(4)In carrying out the enforcement actions pursuant to the provisions of subregulation (2), the inspectors of the Authority shall invoke the powers with due care and act in good faith in the interest of preserving safety.

28. Aeronautical user fees

(1)The Authority shall notify the fees to be charged in connection with the issue including the issue of a duplicate copy thereof, or the undergoing of any examination or investigation required by, or for the purpose of these Regulations any orders, notices or proclamations made thereunder.

(2)Upon an application being made in connection with which any fee is chargeable in accordance with the provisions of subregulation (1), the applicant shall be required, before the application is entertained, to pay the fee so chargeable.

(3)If, after that payment has been made, the application is withdrawn by the applicant or otherwise ceases to have effect or is refused, the Authority shall not refund the payment made.

29. Application of regulations to Government and visiting forces, etc

(1)These Regulations shall apply to aircraft, not being military aircraft, belonging to or exclusively employed in the service of the Government, and for the purposes of such application, the Department or other authority for the time being responsible for management of the aircraft shall be deemed to be the operator of the aircraft, and in the case of an aircraft belonging to the Government, to be the owner of the interest of the Government in the aircraft.

(2)Except as otherwise expressly provided, the naval, military and air force authorities and member of any visiting force and property held or used for the purpose of such a force shall be exempt from the provision of these regulations to the same extent as if the visiting force formed part of the military force of Kenya.

(3)These regulations shall not apply to Meteorological pilot balloons used exclusively for meteorological purposes or unmanned free balloons without a payload.

Part V – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

30. Extra-territorial application of Regulations

Except where the context otherwise requires, the provisions of these Regulations shall—

(a)in so far as they apply, whether by express reference or otherwise, to aircraft registered in Kenya, apply to such aircraft wherever they may be;

(b)in so far as they apply, whether by express reference or otherwise, to other aircraft, apply to such aircraft when they are within Kenya;

(c)in so far as they prohibit, require or regulate (whether by express reference or otherwise) the doing of anything by any person in, or by any of the crew of, any aircraft registered in Kenya, shall apply to such persons and crew, wherever they may be;

(d)in so far as they prohibit, require or regulate (whether by express reference or otherwise) the doing of anything in relation to any aircraft registered in Kenya by other persons shall, where such persons are citizens of Kenya, apply to them wherever they may be; and

(e)not apply to meteorological pilot balloons used exclusively for meteorological purposes or to unmanned free balloons without a payload.

31. Contravention of Regulations

The Authority may suspend or revoke the licence, certificate, approval, authorisation, exemption or other document of a person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations.

32. Appeals to the Tribunal

A person aggrieved with the decision of the Authority under these Regulations may within thirty days of such decision appeal to the Tribunal.

33. Offences

(1)A person who contravenes any provision specified as an “A” provision in the Fourth Schedule to these Regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one million shillings for each offence and or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both.

(2)A person who contravenes any provision specified as a “B” provision in the Fourth Schedule to these Regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two million shillings for each offence or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.

(3)A person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations not being a provision referred to in the Fourth Schedule to these Regulations commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two million shillings, and in the case of a second or subsequent conviction for the like offence to a fine not exceeding four million shillings.

34. Revocation

The Civil Aviation (Aircraft and Registration Markings) Regulations, 2018 (No. 94 of 2018), are hereby revoked.

35. Transition

(1)A license, certificate, approval or any other document issued to a person or operator prior to the commencement of these Regulations shall continue in force as if it was issued under these Regulations until it expires, varied or cancelled by the Authority.

(2)Notwithstanding any other provision of these Regulations, a person who at the commencement of these Regulations, is carrying out any acts, duties or operations affected by these Regulations shall, within one (1) year from the date of commencement, or within such longer time that the Cabinet Secretary may, by notice in the Gazette prescribe, comply with the requirements of these Regulations or cease to carry out such acts, duties or operations.

Source: Kenya Law · Imported 4 October 2026