Passengers traveling through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) can expect a significantly improved experience following the Cabinet’s approval of a comprehensive upgrade plan. The decision, made during a special meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, aims to modernize Kenya’s busiest airport and streamline operations.
The enhancements will focus on several key areas, including baggage handling, security screening, immigration services, and general infrastructure improvements. The Cabinet outlined that JKIA will receive a modernized baggage handling system, better stormwater drainage, improved access roads, and enhanced air conditioning. Additionally, clearer signage and covered walkways will be installed to ease passenger movement within the airport.
A major shift in security screening will also be implemented, with a risk-based profiling system ensuring only flagged bags undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room. This move aims to reduce congestion and speed up passenger processing.
To further improve travel efficiency, the number of immigration booths and staff will be doubled, while E-Gates will be introduced to eliminate long queues at immigration checkpoints. These changes are expected to significantly reduce wait times and enhance overall passenger convenience.
The Cabinet also approved measures to bolster accountability and security at the airport. New monitoring technology will be deployed to oversee airport staff, while all employees and retail concessionaires will be required to wear mandatory uniforms with visible name tags. Additionally, meet-and-greet services will be strictly regulated to ensure that only licensed facilitators operate within the airport premises.
In a move that will benefit travelers from across Africa, the Cabinet announced the removal of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for African visitors. This decision is expected to facilitate intra-African travel, promote regional integration, and boost tourism and business engagements within the continent.
Beyond airport improvements, the Cabinet also approved a significant increase in the duty-free threshold for goods brought into the country, raising the limit from Ksh 50,000 to Ksh 250,000. This policy change is anticipated to ease customs processes and benefit travelers bringing in personal and commercial goods.
These reforms position JKIA as a leading aviation hub in Africa, enhancing its operational efficiency, security, and overall passenger experience. The approved measures take immediate effect, setting the stage for a transformative phase in Kenya’s aviation sector.
