Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday, November 7, announced a raft of changes in a move to streamline movement at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In a statement, the CS announced plans to have agencies operating at the JKIA adopt a unified system to offer all services.
Murkomen noted that plans were underway to have the said agencies sign a service charter that would require them to provide all services under a one-stop shop.
“The charter, to be signed at the end of the month, will bring together immigration, customs, police, port health, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and other service providers under the leadership of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA),” Murkomen announced.
In addition, the Transport CS divulged plans to revamp JKIA’s screening facilities.
In the statement, Murkomen said that the state will install modern technology to improve screening at the entrance.
The move, he explained, would end the practice requiring all motorists to alight upon reaching the airport’s gates.
Also, among the changes lined up for implementation is the introduction of new technology to facilitate faster self-check-in and enhance airport entry and exit.
The plan will also include arrangements with the company providing parking services at the airport to increase service booths and deploy faster technology.
Murkomen vows to address ticket delays
Further, the CS announced that airlines would be required to upgrade their ticket printing to avoid long queues.
In a move to prevent unauthorized people from entering the airport, the Ministry will deploy the Advance Passenger Information (APS) system to provide prior information of passengers expected at the airport.
According to Murkomen, the new system would require all access cards currently in use to be withdrawn and screened afresh.
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The Transport CS also announced plans to train officers deployed at the airport afresh.
He noted that all staff at the airport including customs, immigration, port health and the police – will be trained in customer service to enhance professionalism.
Talks to establish special police unit
In addition, Murkomen wants the National Police Service to create a special unit complete with its own code to handle matters relating to airports and maintaining order and security within its precincts.
“The police unit service at the airport and other ports of entry shall be facilitated to carry out their duties professionally,” he announced.
On the latest reports about flooding in a section of the airport, Murkomen noted that efforts to revamp drainage system were in progress in conjunction with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
In addition, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will provide canopies at the airport to shield passengers from the rain.
Free Wi-Fi for travelers
Further, Murkomen announced that the Government will also provide bigger and comfortable seating areas, free Wi-Fi and more charging ports at the JKIA.
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Also listed on the list of amenities needed to ensure comfort of passengers at the airport are breastfeeding booths. He noted that the booths will be revamped and made more comfortable for lactating mothers using the airport.
What’s more, the CS is committed to ensuring that the prices and quality of goods offered by restaurants in the airport are good and up to standard.
The announcements came after a meeting with officials including Transport Principal Secretary Mohamed Daghar, acting KAA MD Henry Ogoye and heads of KEPHIS, Immigration, Customs and the Police at the JKIA.
Earlier in the day, Tourism CS Alfred Mutua and officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) toured the JKIA on a fact-finding mission.
This followed widespread complaints over delays in passenger clearing and harassment from customs officers at the airport.
