In a bid to position Kenya as a top aviation hub, the Cabinet Secretaries for Roads and Transport, National Treasury and Economic Planning, Interior and National Administration, and Tourism and Wildlife have announced a raft of measures, through the implementation of an Airport Charter, that will enhance operational efficiency through improved agency coordination, enhanced security screening, and modernisation of infrastructure.
In line with the Cabinet directive, all citizens from across Africa are exempted from ETA requirements, while multiple-entry ETA and expedited ETA processing have been operationalised.
Kenya has raised the duty-free threshold for passengers from Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 250,000 to streamline passenger goods screening. To further strengthen customs operations, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will enhance staff capacity through training and equipping all airport customs officers with body-worn cameras, effective 1st July, to ensure transparency and efficiency.
The charter outlines enhanced risk case profiling through advanced customer information systems. To uphold traveller dignity and privacy, only bags flagged by security scanners will be opened in a dedicated screening room. This aims to enhance security while ensuring a respectful and seamless travel experience. Further, in line with the UN resolution, the government is immediately implementing advanced passenger information systems to enhance international security and streamline operational efficiency. This initiative aims to strengthen border controls while ensuring a smoother travel experience.
Within 90 days, immigration booths at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be doubled, along with a corresponding increase in staff, to expedite passenger clearance and reduce overcrowding. Additionally, electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) will be installed to facilitate faster and more efficient immigration processing.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will also deploy technology to monitor and ensure accountability for all staff working at JKIA, aiming to enhance service delivery and strengthen accountability measures for personnel across all agencies operating at the airport.
All staff working for KAA, KRA, Immigration, Port Health, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), Tourism, National Police Service, and retail concessionaires must wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks. Additionally, further customer service training will be provided for all staff of agencies operating at the airport.
Through the service charter, there will be a broader review of the overall customer experience from all customer touchpoints. Further, a Tourist Information Centre shall be established to enhance the visibility of what Kenya has to offer.
Considering the ageing infrastructure, the Government is committed to improving the overall airport infrastructure. Short-term action on infrastructure will include:
- Enhanced signage and wayfinding within airport terminals
- Improved airside and landside stormwater drainage systems
- Enhanced water supply system
- Improved terminal air-conditioning
- Improved parking management
- Covered walkways/terminal canopies and access roads
These improvements are set to be completed within six months. Additionally, within the next financial year, the Government shall acquire additional 3D security scanning equipment.
In issuing the joint communiqué, the CSs reiterated the immediate adoption and implementation of the Airport Charter, within seven days, to improve coordination, accountability, and efficiency at the airport under KAA’s leadership. The charter will also provide guidance, escalation mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation.
