State rolls out airport charter to streamline passenger clearance

Passengers travelling through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) can expect faster clearance, improved security, and a smoother travel experience following a set of new reforms introduced by the government.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Friday announced that all customs officers at the airport will wear body-worn cameras from July 1, 2025, to enhance transparency.

Additionally, all staff working under various agencies, including the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Immigration, Port Health, and the National Police Service, must wear uniforms and name tags within two weeks.

"Further customer service training will be provided for all staff of agencies operating at the airport," Chirchir said.

To reduce congestion and long wait times, the government will double the number of immigration booths and staff within 90 days.

Travellers will also be able to use electronic self-clearance gates (E-gates) for faster processing.

The reforms align with a broader effort to streamline airport operations through a multi-agency approach involving KRA, Immigration, Tourism, and Security agencies.

Duty-free limit

The government has raised the duty-free limit for passengers from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000, allowing travellers to import personal-use goods up to this amount without paying import taxes, provided they declare them.

KRA Commissioner-General Humphrey Wattanga said the move aims to reduce confusion among passengers.

"KRA will enhance staff capacity through training and equip all airport customs officers with body-worn cameras effective July 1 to ensure transparency and efficiency," Wattanga stated.

Security measures will also be strengthened with the introduction of advanced passenger information systems for better risk profiling.

Only flagged bags will be opened, and they will be screened in a private room to ensure traveller dignity and privacy.

The poor condition of Kenyan airports, which first came to light in early 2024 due to leaking roofs, has now been confirmed by a recent audit.

The audit revealed that the government may have spent over Sh8 billion on low-quality work.

Other Topics To Read

• National
• JKIA
• chirchir
• State rolls out airport charter to streamline passenger clearance
• Headlines

The Kenya Airports Authority officials are under scrutiny for paying large amounts to contractors who left jobs unfinished, leaving behind incomplete projects.

Surprisingly, poor work was found at all four major airports in the country: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, and Eldoret and Kisumu airports.

Going further, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stressed the importance of accountability among airport personnel.

"Each of the staff and security personnel will be required to wear a name tag wherever they are to ensure that there is enhanced security," Murkomen said.

The government has also exempted citizens from most African countries from the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement, a move intended to boost tourism and trade.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano expressed optimism that the changes will help Kenya reach its target of attracting five million tourists annually.

"Tourists coming into the country are our ambassadors, and if they are treated well, they will spread the word out there and help us achieve this objective," she said.

Beyond operational adjustments, infrastructure upgrades are also planned, including improved signage, drainage, air conditioning, and parking management systems within six months.

Chirchir confirmed that most reforms would not require additional funding apart from the purchase of new screening machines in the next financial year.