On Friday, September 18, 2026, Kenyan pilot Captain Alex Oluka tragically died in an aircraft crash in Kajiado.
The incident occurred when the light aircraft crashed during a routine advanced training session in the Kipeto area of Kajiado West Sub-County.
A preliminary police report indicated that poor visibility caused by heavy morning mist may have contributed to the crash, which occurred during an unsuccessful emergency landing.
But who was the captain?
Captain Alex Oluka was a young Kenyan pilot from Kolait Village in Moding, Teso North Constituency, Busia County. He was the son of Leonard Otolim and Everylin Inait.
Alex Oluka: Early Life and Educational Background
The details about Oluka were revealed by Teso North MP Oku Kaunya in a condolence message following the pilot’s death.
Kaunya described Oluka as the constituency’s pioneer pilot and said he had graduated from the Kenya School of Flying on August 22, 2026.
According to the MP, Oluka had demonstrated exceptional performance and dedication during his training, earning an opportunity to remain at the school as a flight instructor.
Kaunya also recalled Oluka’s graduation ceremony, saying his mother, Everylin Inait, had the opportunity to watch him fly over Kajiado County as graduating pilots demonstrated their skills during an airshow held ahead of the ceremony.
His Dream and Career
Alex Oluka developed an interest in aviation from a young age and pursued professional pilot training at the Kenya School of Flying (KSOF).
The Teso North National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), through the office of MP Oku Kaunya, fully sponsored his training.
Before joining aviation, Oluka had demonstrated strong academic performance. In 2021, he emerged as the top student at Kolanya Boys High School after attaining an A plain in his national examinations.
He completed his professional pilot training after three years and graduated from the Kenya School of Flying on August 22, 2026.
During his training, he obtained a Commercial Pilot Licence–General Flight Test (CPL-GFT) and a Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, which he secured in January 2026.
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After strong performance during training, the Kenya School of Flying retained Oluka as a flight instructor.
According to the Kenya School of Flying, Oluka obtained his Multi-Engine Instrument Rating after successfully completing the required training.
The school congratulated him on the achievement, describing it as a milestone that reflected his dedication and skills in aviation.
He had only recently begun his professional aviation career when he died in the crash.
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About Kenya School of Flying
The Kenya School of Flying (KSOF) is a professional pilot training institution established in 1992 and headquartered at Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
The school also operates training bases at Malindi Airport, Orly Airpark in Kajiado and Ukunda Airstrip.
Among the courses offered at the school are the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR), Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and Flight Instructor Rating (FIR). The school also provides specialised training in areas such as Morse code and spinning manoeuvres.
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