This archive report was first published on 2 January 2020.
On January 2, 2020, Kenya took a significant step towards improving airport security by introducing new rules aimed at denying stowaways access to airports.
The move comes six months after a stowaway incident at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) highlighted security gaps at the strategic facility.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), only individuals holding special passes will be allowed into restricted parts of airports, such as aerodromes.
Persons seeking access to these areas will undergo thorough vetting, including background security checks, before being issued with the special passes.
Even airport staff handling legitimate functions within restricted areas will be required to undergo the same vetting process.
The new measures are contained in the draft Kenya Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations, which have been published for public review.
As per the regulations, every airport operator in Kenya must establish, implement, and maintain a written Airport Operator Security Programme that meets the requirements of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme and these Regulations.
The regulations also emphasize the importance of background checks for individuals implementing security controls, those with unescorted access to security-restricted areas, and those with access to sensitive aviation security information.
On January 15, 2020, KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe invited sector players to a meeting to discuss the new rules, which are in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.
