New Airport Charter Set To Increase Efficiency At JKIA – Gov’t Report
Four ministries have moved to execute the Airport Charter, which aims to increase operational efficiency at JKIA through enhanced agency collaboration, in line with reforms aimed at positioning Kenya as an aviation hub.
The charter, which will provide guidelines on governance, escalation mechanisms, monitoring, and assessment, will go into effect within seven days, the implementing ministries said in a joint statement on Friday.
The ministries are Interior and Coordination, Roads and Transportation, Tourism and Wildlife, and National Treasury and Planning.
“Through the service charter, there will be a broader review of overall customer experience from all customer touchpoints,” they said.
We have today rolled out a common action plan to improve passenger experience at JKIA and other airports through a charter which will enhance operational efficiency while ensuring safety and security.
— KIPCHUMBA MURKOMEN, E.G.H (@kipmurkomen) January 31, 2025
This follows a Cabinet directive early this month to position Kenya as an… pic.twitter.com/Iij5S20v8L
The Cabinet has authorized key areas of implementation, including increased security screening through advanced consumer information systems to improve risk profiling.
“To uphold traveler dignity and privacy, only bags flagged by security scanners will be opened in a dedicated screening room. This aims to enhance security while ensuring a respectful and seamless travel experience,” the ministries said.
“Within the next financial year, we shall acquire additional 3D security scanning equipment.”
The ministries also stated that they will immediately install advanced passenger information systems in accordance with the UN resolution to improve international security and operational efficiency.
The effort attempts to strengthen border controls while improving passenger travel experiences.
“In line with the Cabinet directive, all citizens from across Africa are exempted from ETA requirements. Furthermore, multiple entry ETA and expedited ETA processing have been operationalised,” the ministries said.
On January 21, the Cabinet exempted nearly all African nations from Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), with the exception of Somalia and Libya, due to security concerns.
The Cabinet stated that this was part of “efforts to support open skies policies and tourism growth” as well as “promote regional integration and ease travel across the continent.”
As part of the Airports Charter implementation, Cabinet authorized the competent ministries to increase the duty-free limit and improve customs monitoring.
They have also increased the duty-free threshold for passengers from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000, in a bid to streamline passenger goods screening.
To better boost customs operations, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) will train its employees.
Furthermore, beginning July 1, all airport customs officials will be equipped with body-worn cameras to ensure openness and efficiency, according to the joint policy implementation statement.
To improve operational efficiency, the ministries have been charged with tripling immigration booths and staff at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and implementing E-gates within 90 days to speed up passenger clearance and reduce overcrowding.
To improve service delivery and reinforce accountability measures for personnel across all agencies operating at the airport, technology will be used to monitor and ensure all staff accountability.
“All staff working for KAA, KRA, Immigration, Port Health, KEPHIS Tourism, National Police Service and retail concessionaires must wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks,” the joint statements read.
“Additionally, further customer service training will be provided for all staff of agencies operating at the airport.”
Concerning infrastructure enhancement, the ministries stated that the government is dedicated to improving the total airport infrastructure in light of the aging current infrastructure.
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The short-term actions, which will be implemented within six months, include improved signage and wayfinding across the airport and terminals, as well as upgraded airside and landside storm water drainage systems.
They are also entrusted with improving the water supply system, terminal air conditioning, parking management, covered walkways/terminal canopies, and access roads.
“Further, we shall establish a tourist information centre to enhance the visibility of what Kenya has to offer,” the ministries said
They agreed to promptly adopt and implement the Airport Charter at the airport, led by KAA.
New Airport Charter Set To Increase Efficiency At JKIA – Gov’t Report
