Airlines operating from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, will be forced to reroute from their flight path as they approach landing as the Bomas International Conference Complex (BICC) takes shape.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has already informed airlines, mainly local flights, that the construction of the multi-billion complex will affect the traditional path as from mid this month.
According to KCAA, the CEO of Bomas of Kenya, via a letter from the Chief Executive Officer Ref: BOK/CEO/KCAA/2025-02 dated October 9, 2025, has already informed them of the expected disruptions.
In the above-mentioned letter, the regulator says the developer of the site has proposed to erect four cranes of varying heights from 75m to 85m Above Ground Level.
The Cranes are expected to be utilised from mid-November 2025 to 30 April 2026, and consequently convened a meeting to deliberate on the alternative route(s).
The development is as a result of an aeronautical study that was conducted in 2023 in line with the regulatory requirements.
“In this regard, I have the honour to invite your organisation to participate in the stakeholders’ engagement on 11th November 2025 as from 8.30 am to 4.30 Pm at the Weston hotel,” the invite signed by Teresia Njoki on behalf of the Director General and dated November 7, 2025 states.
The letter sent to all operators is also copied to the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Association of Air Operators, the Managing Director of Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Meteorological Department, the Director Air Support Services, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Defence and Commandant of the Kenya Police Airwing.
The operators and state agencies invited have been asked to send at least two representatives to the meeting.
“The objective of the engagement is to deliberate on the proposed erection of the four cranes for a period of five months, review the safety implications to the operations of aircraft to and from Wilson Airport with an aim of recommending appropriate mitigations to the hazard,” KCAA letter adds.
There have been fears that the construction will disrupt operations at the Wilson Airport, given that planes use the route as they approach landing.
Sources indicate that initially, KCAA itself had raised concerns internally but was directed to find an alternative route so as not to appear to block one of President William Ruto’s pet projects.
If KCAA’s input were to be adopted, the development would have had to comply with height restrictions to ensure a clear flight path for approaching and departing aircraft, which could limit the scale of the construction.
The government has explained that the development of BICC is part of a broader vision to enhance Bomas, making it a premier conferencing destination in the region.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Ruto at the Sagana State Lodge on August 8, 2023, ratified the construction of the BICC to position Kenya as the destination of choice for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
On March 11, 2025 Cabinet meeting and while announcing the commencement of the project by a Turkish firm, Summa Turizm Yatirimciligi Anonim Sirketi, President Ruto said the project aims to redefine Bomas's look, feel, and purpose.
“The project aims to redefine the look, feel, and purpose of Bomas, positioning it as a premier destination for global events,” read a dispatch issued following the Cabinet meeting.
Early on, the government refuted claims that Bomas had been sold to a Turkish national following allegations by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gender and Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir dismissed the allegations, stating that Bomas remains a government-owned facility.
According to the PS, Bomas of Kenya was placed under the State Department for Culture, the Arts, and Heritage through an Executive Order of Government No. 2 of 2023
