This archive report was first published on 3 January 2020.
January 3, 2020, marked a significant step in Kenya's efforts to bolster airport security, following a high-profile stowaway incident in June 2019.
Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has proposed stringent access rules for its airports, limiting access to restricted areas to those holding special passes.
Under the new regulations, individuals seeking access to restricted 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 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," the regulations state.
The regulations aim to prevent incidents like the one in June 2019, when a male body fell off the landing gear compartment of a Kenya Airways aircraft moments before landing at London's Heathrow Airport.
The incident highlighted security gaps at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which had achieved a Category One Status for top security safeguards just three years prior, allowing for direct flights to the US.
According to the draft guidelines, KCAA wants operators to heighten control to all airports in the country to unauthorized personnel.
"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," the draft states.
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) standards.
