By John Mutiso
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has clarified a viral video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement on Tuesday, December 2, the agency said the access occurred on October 8, 2025 for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African country.
According to KAA, the dignitary arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi, and was received by a Cabinet Secretary.
“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to address recent online reactions concerning a video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tarmac.
“This access, which occurred on 8 October 2025, was for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African Country who arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi. The summit was attended by several Heads of State and other senior leaders from COMESA member states. The dignitary was received by a Cabinet Secretary,” the statement read.
KAA confirmed that all airside access followed established security procedures and regulations reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries.
“KAA confirms that all airside access for this VIP protocol strictly followed established security procedures and regulations, reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries.
“Such protocols are standard at JKIA for international summits and comply fully with aviation security standards, prioritizing both operational integrity and dignitary safety,” the statement added.
