AMREF Air Ambulance Crash in Nairobi Kenya

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In a devastating turn of events, an AMREF Flying Doctors air ambulance , a Cessna Citation XLS with a registration 5Y-FDM , crashed into a residential neighborhood in Mwihoko, Kiambu County just outside Nairobi killing six people and injuring others. The twin-engine medical jet departed from Wilson Airport at approximately 2:14–2:17 PM local time on Thursday, bound for Hargeisa in Somaliland. Merely three minutes into the flight, the aircraft lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control. Citation XLS 5Y-FDM. Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene: “The plane started burning while in the air,” one resident recounted, while another said the aircraft “passed by our building shaking it,” before crashing into a house. The impact and ensuing blaze claimed the lives of all four people aboard and two individuals inside the home. Rescue teams, including those from the Kenya Red Cross, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police, and aviation authorities, rushed to the scene.  AMREF ...
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Tanzania Allocates TZS 2.746 Trillion to Transport Sector in 2025/26 Budget — Aviation Gets a Major Boost

In a landmark move that reaffirms Tanzania’s commitment to strengthening its transport infrastructure, the Parliament has approved a TZS 2.746 trillion budget for the Ministry of Transport for the 2025/2026 financial year. While the budget covers the entire transport sector—spanning air, land, and water—significant attention is being directed toward aviation development, reflecting the strategic role it plays in supporting national growth and international connectivity.

Out of the total budget, TZS 125.4 billion has been allocated for recurrent expenditure, including salaries and operational costs. The lion’s share, TZS 2.621 trillion, is earmarked for development projects, with TZS 2.45 trillion coming from domestic sources and TZS 168.5 billion from international partners.

Aviation Development: A Central Focus

Among the biggest winners in this budget is Tanzania’s aviation sector, which continues to attract priority investment as part of the government’s broader transport modernization strategy. A key initiative is the continued strengthening of Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL). The national airline is expected to benefit from enhanced resources that will support its operational expansion, fleet management, and route development—efforts aimed at positioning ATCL as a competitive regional and international carrier.

Also central to aviation growth is the planned construction of a new Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC). This facility will play a critical role in developing skilled personnel, addressing the industry’s growing demand for qualified pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and aviation safety experts. The investment in CATC is a clear indication that the government views human capital as essential to aviation sustainability.

Ongoing work to construct and upgrade airports across various regions is also part of the Ministry’s roadmap. While specific projects were not detailed in the presentation, these infrastructure developments are expected to improve domestic connectivity and prepare Tanzania’s air transport system for increased traffic volumes.

Furthermore, improvements in aviation safety systems are part of a broader strategy to meet international standards and ensure passenger confidence. The government’s budget will support modernization efforts in both surveillance and communication technologies to enhance safety and efficiency in airspace management.

Other Transport Investments: Brief Overview

While aviation is a major focus, the 2025/26 transport budget also advances high-impact projects in other areas. These include the ongoing Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, the rehabilitation of the TAZARA and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), the upgrade of the Port of Dar es Salaam, and the construction of four new cargo ships to facilitate trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Kigoma and Dar es Salaam.

A noteworthy addition is the planned establishment of a new National Institute of Transport (NIT) campus in Lindi Region, with a specialization in maritime, oil, and gas transportation—supporting Tanzania’s broader economic ambitions in the energy and logistics sectors.

Industry Support and Oversight

Present at the budget presentation were key aviation stakeholders, including Dr. Hamis Mwinyimvua, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA); Mr. Salim Msangi, Director General of TCAA; and Mr. Aristid Kanje, Principal of the CATC. Their presence signaled the sector's strategic alignment with government priorities and reinforced the collaborative approach being taken to drive progress.


With this record-level investment, the Sixth Phase Government has sent a strong signal: aviation is a national priority. The newly approved budget is expected to create jobs, enhance safety, expand access, and position Tanzania as a competitive player in regional and global aviation.

✈️ Follow aviation2day for expert insights, updates, and analysis on Tanzania’s aviation development.

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