By Ongaga Ongaga
The Government of Kenya has unveiled a sweeping modernisation programme at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
This is aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, passenger processing, and compliance with international aviation standards.
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In a press release, the Ministry of Interior and National Administration announced the deployment of the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS), a system designed to streamline identification and management of both domestic and international flights.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) confirmed that the optimisation plan will introduce centralised airline check-in and passenger screening, alongside clearer designations for arrivals and departures.
Construction of a new terminal is already underway, with the contractor on site. The project, expected to take 54 months, will expand JKIA’s annual capacity by approximately 10 million passengers.
Currently, the airport handles about 8.8 million passengers and more than 358 kilotonnes of cargo annually, with nearly 60 percent of travellers processed as transit passengers.
The optimisation is projected to raise passenger-handling capacity to 12 million annually.
The Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee (BCOCC), during its 69th meeting, announced further measures including the rollout of the Advanced Passenger Registration (APR) system.
This initiative will enhance information sharing and situational awareness, with data-control facilities expected to be operational within a month.
Strict enforcement of baggage-handling procedures has also been introduced. Airlines must ensure proper identification and processing of luggage, whether passenger baggage or cargo.
Passengers have been cautioned against attaching their luggage to that of others, with any such baggage returned at their own cost. Cargo must also be processed through designated terminals, with airlines violating these rules facing regulatory action, including suspension.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, emphasised the importance of compliance: “Resolutions reached by the Committee must translate into action.”
Immigration Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang echoed this sentiment, stressing inter-agency collaboration: “We need a coordinated approach; one that is intelligence-led, walk together, knowing that we have a common focus on ensuring that our country is able to secure itself, while ensuring that we don’t compromise on travel and trade.”
The Ksh 154.2 billion modernisation programme underscores Kenya’s ambition to strengthen JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub in the region, ensuring efficiency, safety, and competitiveness in global air travel.
