Sasini PLC has announced the temporary closure of its privately owned Mweiga Airstrip in Nyeri County for 24 hours on Monday, 15 September 2025, beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Through the Kenya Gazette, Sasini PLC issued the notice, stating that the closure is intended to protect its legal rights over the facility and prevent any potential claims of adverse possession or unauthorized use.
Mweiga Airstrip Notice
According to the announcement, the move will ensure that no individual or entity can claim ownership or legal access rights to the Mweiga airstrip, which sits on Sasini’s property.
“This closure is to ensure that no claim whatsoever can be made by any party, including yourselves, of adverse possession or right of use over the said airstrip.”
Sasini PLC, one of Kenya’s leading agribusiness firms with interests in coffee, macadamia, and tea, added that the closure is strictly procedural and not related to any operational or safety concerns.
The company also pointed out that normal operations will resume immediately after the 24-hour period lapses.
Temporary closures of private airstrips for legal safeguarding are a standard practice under Kenyan property laws to affirm and protect ownership.
The announcement was signed by P. N. Macharia, the Group General Manager in charge of Coffee, Macadamia, and Estates at Sasini PLC.
Kenyan Laws on Private Airstrips
Oversight by KCAA and KAA
The development, ownership, and operation of private airstrips in Kenya are governed by a strict legal framework aimed at ensuring safety, proper land management, and compliance with national aviation standards.
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) are responsible for the framework that regulates licensing, certification, and oversight of aerodromes, including privately owned facilities.
Under the Civil Aviation (Certification, Licensing and Registration of Aerodromes) Regulations, all aerodromes must be registered or licensed by KCAA before they can operate.
An application for licensing requires proof of land ownership or a valid proprietary interest, an aerodrome manual, detailed layout plans, and comprehensive safety and emergency procedures.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are mandatory for most facilities to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Private airstrip owners must maintain safety and operational standards set by KCAA, which include runway specifications, security protocols, and clear demarcation of boundaries.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to suspension or revocation of licenses.
The Kenya Airports Authority Act empowers KAA to oversee the establishment of private airstrips and to manage interactions between private operators and public aviation infrastructure.
KAA plays a key role in preventing encroachment on airstrip land and in approving expansion plans. Where private land is acquired for public aviation projects, the law requires proper survey processes, issuance of notices, and compensation for affected landowners through the National Land Commission (NLC).
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Disputes over compensation are common and have led to several court cases across the country.
Land Ownership
The Land Registration Act, 2012, and the Limitation of Actions Act govern property rights and timelines for land claims.
Under Kenyan law, an individual or entity that occupies land openly, continuously, and without permission for 12 years may claim ownership through adverse possession, provided the land is not public property or government land.
This legal principle has prompted some airstrip owners to periodically close their facilities to reaffirm possession and prevent third-party claims.
Notices of temporary closure, often published in the Kenya Gazette, serve as formal declarations that the land remains under active control of the registered owner.
Communities living near airstrips sometimes extend their activities onto aerodrome land, leading to conflicts.
Recent disputes have been reported in Busia, Homa Bay, Migori, and Taita Taveta, where residents have resisted eviction or demanded compensation for land earmarked for expansion.
For investors seeking to establish private airstrips, compliance begins with securing clear and legally recognized land titles.
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Proper documentation must be presented to KCAA during the licensing process, and any historical claims or disputes over the land must be resolved beforehand.
Regular maintenance of boundaries, routine inspections, and engagement with local authorities are essential to safeguard ownership and operational rights.
As air travel continues to expand, adherence to these regulations remains critical to ensuring that private airstrips operate safely, securely, and within the bounds of Kenyan law.
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