The government has announced a series of transformative reforms set to take effect later this year. Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir unveiled these changes on Friday, January 31, marking a significant shift in airport management and customs operations.
A key highlight of the reforms is the mandatory use of body-worn cameras by all Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) customs officers, effective July 1. The initiative aims to improve accountability and curb malpractices in customs clearance processes.
Additionally, all personnel working for Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), KRA, Immigration, Port Health, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), the Ministry of Tourism, National Police Service, and airport retail concessionaires will be required to wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks to enhance service visibility and professionalism.
Chirchir also announced plans to provide further customer service training for all agencies operating at the airport to improve service delivery.
To streamline passenger processing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the government has doubled the number of immigration booths and staff, aiming to reduce congestion and expedite clearance times within 90 days. This move comes alongside a substantial increase in the duty-free limit from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000, offering greater flexibility for travelers.
Further digital enhancements include the deployment of electronic self-clearance gates (e-Gates) to facilitate faster immigration processing. Security protocols will also be strengthened through an advanced passenger information system and improved screening procedures, ensuring only flagged bags are opened in dedicated screening rooms.
The reforms align with the Cabinet’s recent decision to exempt all African citizens from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements, streamlining travel across the continent.
With these progressive measures, Kenya is positioning its aviation sector as a hub of efficiency and security, reinforcing JKIA’s status as a key gateway to Africa and the world.
