Kenya Airports Authority clarifies viral video of SUV convoy at JKIA, cites official state protocol
The clip, which has drawn significant attention on social media, sparked speculation about the nature of the convoy and security procedures at the country’s busiest airport.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has addressed concerns over a widely circulated video showing a convoy of black SUVs driving across a restricted and highly secured section of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The clip, which has drawn significant attention on social media, sparked speculation about the nature of the convoy and security procedures at the country’s busiest airport.
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In a statement, KAA clarified that the vehicles captured in the video formed part of an official State motorcade of a visiting African Prime Minister who arrived at JKIA on October 8, 2025, to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi.
The convoy was seen driving across the tarmac and entering the airside area, which is typically reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries.
KAA emphasised that all movements were conducted under strict security protocols in compliance with international aviation standards. KAA responded by stressing that the vehicles were part of standard VVIP procedures for visiting heads of state during international summits.
"This access was for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African Country who arrived at 5:07 pm 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," KAA said in the statement.
The authority also clarified that such protocols are routine at JKIA and designed to ensure both operational integrity and the safety of visiting dignitaries.
"KAA confirms that all airside access for this VVIP 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, prioritising both operational integrity and dignitary safety," the statement added.
The video, which shows the convoy of black SUVs moving in formation across the tarmac and into a secure airside zone, drew mixed reactions online. Some social media users expressed scepticism about airport security, questioning how such access is granted, while others speculated on potential misuse of the airside privileges.
Comments ranged from concern that JKIA might lose its high status due to “suspicious activities” to more humorous takes suggesting the VIPs were “potential buyers” of the airport. One user commented: “From the aeroplane to high-end cars… how special are they?”
Another wrote, “JKIA might lose its high status due to its suspicious activities,” another said; “Drugs and ammunition… sweet poison."Others defended the procedures, noting that such protocols are standard for visiting dignitaries.
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