KCAA announces resumption of pilot exams

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has reinstated operations at its Personnel Licensing (PEL) Department which was suspended a month ago.

KCAA had suspended the system that is used to administer exams for student pilots for 30 days to pave the way for a fully automated licensing system.

Tuesday evening, KCAA said the exam schedule has resumed, albeit with the ongoing systems upgrade, which is not yet fully complete.

“The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority wishes to update candidates and stakeholders on the resumption of examination following the temporary suspension to allow for a system upgrade,” KCAA Director General Emile Arao said in a statement dated 23rd September 2025.  

He added;

“All candidates whose bookings were cancelled during the suspension have been contacted and rescheduled, with new examination dates commencing on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025. Candidates with pending bookings without invoices have been contacted, rescheduled, and their invoices are currently being processed.”

The KCAA DG said that while the booking process was expected to transition to an automated system, the process has not yet gone live.

“ICT is finalising the system upgrade and will advise on a launch date. In the interim, manual booking will ensure uninterrupted service to candidates,” Arao said.

KCAA says according to the current examination calendar, the next available examination date is Thursday, 2nd October 2025.

“KCAA appreciates the patience and understanding of all candidates and stakeholders during this transition period and reaffirms its commitment to delivering efficient and reliable examination services,” Arao added.

Last month, on August 22, 2025, Arao explained that the temporary suspension of the move was part of modernisation efforts aimed at eliminating duplication, improving efficiency and providing faster services.

“This modernisation is aimed at eliminating duplication, improving efficiency and providing applicants with a faster and seamless service experience,” said Arao.

KCAA announced that as part of the transition, a computer-based examination system will be introduced.

According to the Authority, this will enhance transparency, reliability and overall service delivery in licensing.

The regulator acknowledged that the temporary suspension could raise concerns among stakeholders.

To address this, KCAA opened a dedicated feedback channel that allowed stakeholders to submit recommendations, past complaints, and raise issues such as irregularities and illegalities.

Arao noted that submissions can be made anonymously, and the feedback will play a “key role in refining the examination and licensing process.”

The Authority assured the aviation industry that despite the short-term disruption, it remains focused on upholding high standards in training and licensing.