The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has signed a landmark agreement with Seabury Solutions, a Netherlands-based aviation technology firm, to automate critical functions under its Directorate of Aviation Safety, Security, and Regulation (ASSR). This move signals a major step forward in modernizing Kenya’s aviation oversight and strengthening its commitment to world-class safety standards.
The contract, secured through a competitive international tender, will be fully rolled out over the next 18 months. It forms a central part of KCAA’s broader digital transformation strategy and aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s global best practices. The partnership will see the deployment of Seabury Solutions’ flagship eAuthority System—an advanced aviation oversight platform already in use or implementation across countries like Argentina, Venezuela, Mauritius, Germany, and Oman.
The implementation goes beyond software. It includes a full ecosystem—customized systems tailored to Kenya’s unique aviation needs, hardware installation, extensive staff training, and a strategic change management program to ensure a smooth and effective transition.
Once in place, the eAuthority System will automate a wide range of regulatory and safety oversight functions, from personnel licensing and flight operations to airworthiness, aviation security, and state safety programs. By moving away from manual processes, KCAA expects to significantly improve data integrity, reduce inefficiencies, and increase the visibility of safety and compliance across the sector.
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KCAA Director General Emile N. Arao emphasized that automation is not just a technological upgrade, but a strategic shift. He noted that by digitizing key oversight functions, KCAA is not only improving operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, but also setting a new benchmark for safety and security in Kenya and the wider region.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Transport, Mohamed Daghar, also lauded the initiative, saying it reflects the Kenyan government’s continued focus on leveraging technology to enhance public service delivery, promote transparency, and boost the country’s competitiveness in global aviation.
The contract signing was witnessed by PS Daghar and Kenya’s Ambassador to Qatar, H.E. Boniface Muhatia Nur, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in advancing national priorities. Their presence underscored just how significant this initiative is—not only for KCAA, but for the future of Kenya’s aviation sector.
With this milestone, Kenya further cements its position as a forward-thinking leader in regional aviation. The adoption of automation and advanced oversight tools is more than a regulatory enhancement; it’s a bold step toward building a safer, smarter, and more efficient aviation ecosystem that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
KCAA Positions itself as a benchmark for effective, transparent, and proactive aviation governance in Africa.
In an increasingly complex airspace environment, digital oversight is no longer optional. By automating its aviation safety functions, Kenya is positioning itself as a benchmark for effective, transparent, and proactive aviation governance in Africa.
The system will streamline workflows, reduce the administrative burden on stakeholders, and offer real-time visibility into compliance and safety indicators—benefits that ripple across airlines, operators, regulators, and passengers alike.
The automation approach involves deploying cutting-edge software tailored to KCAA’s specific operational needs, supported by a comprehensive hardware infrastructure to ensure seamless and resilient implementation. It is a strategic move that reinforces KCAA’s leadership in regional aviation innovation and reflects Kenya’s commitment to building a future-ready, safe, and efficient aviation sector.
In adopting this advanced automation system, KCAA joins a growing list of global regulators that are embracing digital transformation to improve aviation oversight. For instance, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has digitized its aircraft registration process and introduced online licensing platforms for pilots and aviation engineers. These initiatives have significantly reduced administrative delays and boosted regulatory transparency.
Globally, authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) are leveraging big data and artificial intelligence to enhance predictive safety monitoring and streamline compliance tracking. These innovations are setting new benchmarks for modern aviation governance—benchmarks that Kenya is now poised to meet and even exceed.
