The aircraft, identified as an Embraer jet operating a scheduled domestic service from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, departed at approximately 6:55 a.m. local time carrying 32 passengers and four crew members. It arrived in Mandera between 8:30 a.m. and 9:10 a.m., according to aviation authorities, before veering off the runway during landing and coming to a halt in nearby bushland.

Kenya Airports Authority spokesperson Daniel Mwangi said emergency response teams were deployed "within minutes” of the incident. "All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries have been reported,” Mwangi stated during a press briefing. He added that the scene was secured shortly after the aircraft stopped near the airstrip perimeter.

Passengers described a sudden loss of control after touchdown. "The plane shook and continued moving past the runway. It was frightening, but the crew handled the evacuation quickly,” said Amina Noor, a passenger on board, speaking to Lamaane News Network.

Images from the site showed the aircraft’s fuselage extending beyond the runway into dense vegetation, with light smoke visible shortly after the incident. Ground personnel and local responders were seen assisting passengers and inspecting the aircraft amid dry, scrub-covered terrain surrounding the airstrip.

A local aviation officer in Mandera, speaking on condition of attribution, told Lamaane News Network that weather conditions were clear at the time of landing, suggesting that other factors may have contributed. "Initial observations point to a runway excursion after touchdown, but a full technical assessment is required,” the officer said.

The aircraft, reported in aviation records as registration 5Y-EBB, sustained visible structural damage. Authorities have not yet determined whether the aircraft will be repairable.

Mandera Airstrip serves a strategic role in northeastern Kenya, supporting government operations, humanitarian missions, and regional connectivity near the borders with Somalia and Ethiopia. The route is frequently used by aid workers, security personnel, and local travelers.

The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on possible mechanical issues, runway conditions, and operational procedures during landing. Aviation analysts note that runway excursions, though relatively uncommon, often involve a combination of environmental and technical factors.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about infrastructure limitations at remote airstrips and highlights the importance of rapid emergency response systems. Authorities said further updates will be provided once preliminary findings from the investigation are released.