Why You Have Been Hearing Kenya Air Force Jets Fly Past Your House Today..
On rare occasions you hear the sound of the fighter jets in the sky, but when they do fly past, it's a sudden occurrence that can scare anyone
Marvin Chege 
Since Monday, June 3, Kenyans living in certain residential areas in the Eastlands part of Nairobi have had their peaceful aura disrupted by the sudden boom of fighter jets from the Kenya Air Force.
That is, you're going about your daily duties of working remotely, talking to a friend outside, and doing chores among others then you hear a swift and booming sound that is almost the speed of lightning.
On rare occasions do you hear the sound of the fighter jets in the sky, but when they do fly past, it's a sudden occurrence that can scare anyone, even enemies. This is what some Nairobi residents have been treated to for the whole of Tuesday morning.
"The Kenya Air Force has been conducting F-5 jet flights since this morning, audible from my location. It appears to be training exercises," Mwangi Maina wrote on X.
A Kenya Air Force plane flying past. /FILE
Sources have now told Viral Tea that the fly-pasts are preparations for the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Kenya Air Force (KAF) expected to take place on Friday, June 7.
KAF was formed on June 1, 1964, soon after Kenya gained independence, with the assistance of the United Kingdom (UK) and is the country's national aerial warfare service branch.
The main airbase operating fighters for KAF is Laikipia Air Base in Nanyuki, Laikipia County while Moi Air Base in Eastleigh, Nairobi is the headquarters. Other bases include Forward Operating Base (FOB) Mombasa (Moi International Airport), FOB Mandera, FOB Wajir & FOB Nyeri (mainly helicopters/small planes).
The Kenya Air Force flies some two dozen F-5E/F Tiger II fighters, a dozen Tucano trainers, and half a dozen G120A basic trainers.
Kenya also flies small numbers of other different types, such as Pumas, Mi-17s etc. Recent acquisitions include AW139, AS350 FENNEC, UH-1H helicopters, H124M Fennec, MD530Fs and C-27J Spartan transports.
This year's celebrations are anticipated to be a sombre affair for the Air Force with regard to the loss of former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla who died alongside nine others in a chopper crash which occurred shortly after a working tour he had taken in the Rift Valley region on Thursday, April 18.
"Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident at Sindar area, Kaben location, Tot division, in Elgeyo Marakwet County. I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces.
"Together with him in the crash were eleven other gallant military personnel, 9 who also passed on and two survivors," President William Ruto announced in a sombre address to the nation later that evening.
The departed held Kenya Air Force experience and was posted there where he began his military career as a fighter pilot as well as trained as an instructor pilot with the United States Airforce (USAF).
Ogolla also received training in other areas, such as imagery intelligence, counter-terrorism, and accident investigation.
His dedication to continuous learning and professional development was a hallmark of his distinguished career. In 2018, he was appointed the Commander of the Kenya Air Force for three years before rising to the rank of Vice Chief of Defence Forces.
The late Ogolla also held other ranks including Training, Command and Staff including Deputy Commander at Kenya Air Force, Base Commander at Laikipia Air Base, Commanding Officer of Tactical Fighter Wing, Chief Flying Instructor at Kenya Air Force Flying Training School and Operations Desk Officer at Kenya Air Force Headquarters.
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