CLAIM: Did A Kenyan Man Build A Jet Fighter?
On August 6, 2025 a newsblog on X posted a 6-second video with the claim that a man in Kenya built a jet fighter. The 6 seconds video showed 2 men sitting inside the jet while one of them who had an helmet on was controlling the jet to move. The video had the caption “Kenyan 🇰🇪 man builds a jet fighter.”
At the time of this publication, the post had reached about 15,300 people with over 100 replies, reposts, quotes, likes, and bookmarks. In the comment section, @Sanghamitra_1a said, ‘’Much better than Pakistani jets’’ while @Milestek_MeGa wrote ’’Awesome’’
NV-A did a Reverse Google Image search by taking screenshots from different angles in the video and it was discovered that the video first appeared online on August 3, 2025 where it was alleged that a man from Embu shocked the nation by launching what he claims is Kenya’s first-ever locally made fighter jet. However, all the repost about the acclaimed fighter jet did not show it flying. Further search using “text verification” showed that no credible media outlet in Kenya published a report about the acclaimed fighter jet invention.
A fighter jet is a military aircraft designed for air-to-air combat, intercepting enemy aircraft, and engaging in ground attacks. They are characterised by high speed, manoeuvrability, and advanced weaponry. The jet is a highly sophisticated military aircraft requiring advanced engineering, materials, and technology.
Meanwhile, in 2016, it was reported that one Edward Nyaga Namu, a 42-year-old from Kamumu village, Mbeere North, Embu County, has been working on assembling an aircraft using locally available materials. Edward designed a helicopter-like machine, using aluminium sheets, a motorcycle engine, and other materials. He showcased his creation at the Embu Agricultural Society of Kenya show, where it attracted significant attention.
CONCLUSION
The claim that a Kenyan man built a fighter jet is MISLEADING. A fighter jet is a highly sophisticated military aircraft requiring advanced engineering, materials, and technology. Its development using local materials in Kenya would attract widespread attention but there has been no verifiable report on such a feat from a credible news outlet in Kenya.
