MPs Raise Alarm Over Security Threats at Moi Air Base, Call for Modern Facilities

Members of Parliament have raised concern over illegal structures surrounding the Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi, saying the encroachments pose a serious security threat to one of the country’s most strategic military installations.

The issue came up during an inspection visit by the Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, led by Vice Chairperson and Mandera North MP Bashir Abdullaih. The lawmakers were received by Brigadier Kapkori, the Base Commandant of Embakasi Garrison, who briefed them on the operations and importance of the facility.

Brig. Kapkori told the committee that Moi Air Base plays a vital role in national security due to its central location, which makes it ideal for emergency landings, rescue operations, and military coordination.

However, he expressed deep concern over the growing number of illegal structures being built near the base, warning that the encroachments have compromised the safety and security of the airfield.

“Structures have been put up and they are compromising the security of the base. Efforts to report this to the County Government have proved futile since more structures keep coming up,” Brig. Kapkori said.

Committee members questioned whether formal complaints had been filed with relevant authorities and why no firm action had been taken to stop the encroachments.

In response, Brig. Kapkori explained that the problem often worsens during election periods, when some individuals grab public land or erect informal settlements near the facility. He added that the airbase lacks legal authority to evict the encroachers directly since such matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Nairobi County Government.

Vice Chair Bashir Abdullaih commended the Kenya Air Force for its professionalism and pledged Parliament’s support in ensuring that the military receives the resources it needs to modernize its operations.

“We will endeavour to support the Force. For every need that the Force has, you must have a plan. For every challenge you have, have a plan and bring it to the Ministry of Defence. We pledge to support adequate resource allocation to modernize the Kenya Air Force,” Bashir assured.

The MPs also noted the urgent need to modernize equipment and facilities at Moi Air Base to enhance operational efficiency and safety standards.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Air Force leadership appealed to the Committee to help sensitize nearby communities about the base’s importance and to facilitate reclamation and acquisition of title deeds for the remaining 118.82 hectares of land belonging to the facility.

The legislators pledged to take up the matter with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant agencies to ensure the security and integrity of the military base are fully protected.