The Kenyan government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its airport operations through the implementation of a new Airport Charter. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, accountability, and overall passenger experience at key airports, particularly Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which has faced criticism over poor infrastructure, security lapses, and service inefficiencies.
The Airport Charter, jointly approved by key government officials, including Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Treasury CS John Mbadi, is set to take effect within seven days. This move signals a significant step toward modernizing Kenya’s airports to meet international standards and accommodate growing passenger traffic.
In a bold move to enhance regional travel and economic integration, the government has exempted all African citizens from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement, effective February 7. This exemption is expected to boost tourism, increase business opportunities, and position Kenya as a major travel hub in Africa.
Passengers arriving in Kenya will now enjoy a higher duty-free threshold, which has been increased from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000. This policy change simplifies customs procedures and encourages higher spending by travelers, benefiting both passengers and businesses operating within airport duty-free zones.
To further enhance transparency in customs operations, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will train its personnel and equip all airport customs officers with body-worn cameras, effective July 1. These measures are intended to curb corruption, improve efficiency, and enhance trust in airport customs operations.
With frequent complaints about long immigration queues, the government plans to double the number of immigration booths and increase staff at JKIA within 90 days. Additionally, electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) will be introduced to expedite processing for passengers with electronic passports.
Security remains a top priority, and as part of the overhaul, the government will introduce advanced risk profiling systems to identify suspicious passengers and luggage more efficiently. Only flagged bags will be opened in dedicated screening rooms, ensuring that the process is more secure and respectful.
Further security enhancements include the deployment of 3D security scanning equipment, set to be rolled out in the next financial year.
To improve staff accountability, all personnel at JKIA including Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), KRA, Immigration, Port Health, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Tourism, and National Police Service officers will be required to wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks. They will also undergo customer service training to ensure a friendlier and more professional experience for travelers.
The overhaul will also address long-standing infrastructure issues, including:
- Fixing leaks in airport terminals, which have been a persistent problem during rainy seasons.
- Upgrading stormwater drainage systems to prevent flooding.
- Enhancing air-conditioning in terminals to improve passenger comfort.
- Introducing better signage and wayfinding systems for easier navigation.
- Improving parking management systems to reduce congestion.
- Constructing covered walkways to shield passengers from weather elements.
These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the traveler experience and bring Kenyan airports in line with global standards.
The introduction of the Airport Charter comes at a critical time when JKIA and other Kenyan airports have been under scrutiny for poor service delivery, baggage theft, blackouts, and inadequate security measures. Complaints from both local and international travelers have increased, prompting the government to take action.
With these ambitious reforms, the government hopes to restore confidence in Kenya’s aviation sector, attract more airlines, and establish the country as a major hub for international travel.
The success of this overhaul will depend on the effective implementation of these policies and strict accountability measures for airport staff. If executed well, Kenya’s airports could soon rank among the most efficient and passenger-friendly in Africa.
As the new Charter takes effect, travelers, businesses, and industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see if these changes truly transform the airport experience—or if they will remain lofty promises on paper.
