JKIA to Undergo New Infrastructure Upgrade After Cabinet Approval

Passengers travelling through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will soon enjoy improved amenities following the government’s approval of major infrastructure upgrades at the airport. 

According to a cabinet dispatch dated Tuesday, February 11, the government has decided to improve drainage systems and walkways among other upgrades to modernize the busy airport.

Other planned improvements include better water management, particularly during heavy rains, and the installation of covered walkways to offer passengers greater comfort.

Passengers will also benefit from newly installed enhanced air conditioning, modernized baggage handling systems, and clearer signage at the airport.

According to the statement, the changes are aimed at improving passenger experience, security, and operational efficiency.

“These upgrades are part of our commitment to transforming JKIA into a world-class aviation hub. By addressing critical infrastructure needs, we are not only improving efficiency but also enhancing the overall passenger experience,” the dispatch read in part.

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Other JKIA Changes Passengers Will Enjoy

Other key reforms include the removal of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements for all African citizens, facilitating easier intra-African travel.

The move, Cabinet noted, aligns with Kenya’s commitment to promoting regional integration and economic collaboration by making travel across the continent more seamless.

Kenyan citizens will also enjoy revised duty-free benefits, with the threshold for tax-exempt goods brought into the country rising from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000.

This increase is expected to provide travellers with greater flexibility and boost consumer spending.

To streamline airport security and reduce delays, JKIA will adopt a risk-based profiling system for luggage inspection. Under this new move, only flagged bags will undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room, reducing unnecessary delays for passengers.

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Additionally, the number of immigration booths and staff will be doubled to handle growing passenger volumes efficiently.

The introduction of E-Gates will further ease congestion by speeding up clearance processes, eliminating long queues, and ensuring a smoother experience for both local and international travellers.

To enhance accountability, all airport agency employees and retail concessionaires will be required to wear standardized uniforms with visible name tags.

Advanced monitoring technology will also be deployed to oversee staff activities, reinforcing professionalism and service efficiency.

Also, meet-and-greet services will be strictly regulated to ensure that only licensed facilitators operate within the airport, enhancing order and security.

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