This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
January 3, 2020, marked a significant shift in Kenya's airport security measures, following a high-profile stowaway incident in June 2019.
According to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), only those holding special passes will be allowed into restricted parts of airports, including 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 subject to this requirement.
The new measures are outlined in the draft Kenya Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations, which have been published for public review.
“Every operator of an airport serving civil aviation in Kenya shall establish, implement and maintain a written Airport Operator Security Programme that meets the requirements of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme and these Regulations,” reads the regulations.
The incident in June 2019, where a male body fell off the landing gear compartment of a Kenya Airways aircraft at London's Heathrow Airport, highlighted security gaps at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Just three years prior, the airport had achieved a Category One Status for top security safeguards, allowing for direct flights to the US.
The KCAA wants operators to heighten control to all airports in the country to prevent unauthorized personnel from accessing restricted areas.
“An Airport Operator Security Programme shall provide for background checks to be completed in respect of persons implementing security controls, persons with unescorted access to security restricted areas, and persons with access to sensitive aviation security information prior to their taking up these duties or accessing such areas or information,” reads the draft.
KCAA Director-General Gilbert Kibe has invited sector players for a meeting on January 15 to discuss the new rules, which align with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.
