Kenya Airports Authority Asks Passengers to Arrive Early at JKIA; Here is Why

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has advised passengers to arrive early at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) due to heightened security checks. 

In an update via X on Monday, July 22, KAA told passengers to contact their respective airlines and get the latest information. 

"Due to heightened security checks & protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights. Kindly contact your respective airline for the latest flight information. Safe travels," KAA stated. 

This comes hours after police warned protesters against accessing protected areas ahead of Tuesday’s planned anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi.  

Protesters have been mobilizing online under the hashtag #OccupyJKIA after a previous march to Parliament buildings edition dubbed ‘OccupyParliament’ and the ‘OcuppyCBD’ march in the Nairobi city centre. 

Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said that while every Kenyan has the right to protest under Article 37 of the Kenyan constitution, they must take note of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas. 

“The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorized persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas. Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” Kanja said in a statement. 

He added, “In addition, Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 under Section 58 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a Government aerodrome or an aerodrome licensed under regulations made under this Act commits an offence punishable by law."