Government Tightens JKIA Baggage and Passenger Processing Rules

NAIROBI, Kenya — The Government has introduced tighter operational measures at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aimed at improving passenger processing, strengthening baggage controls and enhancing the overall efficiency of airport operations.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the measures will include the digitisation of passenger identification as well as luggage and cargo processing.

The reforms are part of a broader optimisation plan designed to improve how passengers, baggage and flights are handled at Kenya's main international gateway.

KAA Tightens Baggage Handling

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has begun enforcing stricter baggage-handling procedures at JKIA, with airlines required to ensure that all baggage is correctly identified and processed either as passenger luggage or cargo, depending on its classification.

Passengers travelling to Nairobi have also been cautioned against attaching their luggage to that of other travellers.

“Passengers travelling to Nairobi have also been advised against attaching their luggage to that of other passengers. Any such baggage found at the airport will be returned at the passenger’s own cost,” Omollo said in the statement.

The Government said the directive is intended to curb irregular baggage-handling practices and ensure compliance with aviation safety and baggage-sizing requirements.

The procedures will also take into account carrier-specific carry-on baggage requirements outlined by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) through its advisory circulars.

Digital Systems to Improve Passenger Processing

Another key component of the reforms is the planned deployment of the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS).

The system is expected to enhance the identification and management of both arriving and departing flights, covering domestic and international operations.

Under the optimisation plan, airport terminals will also move towards a centralised system for airline check-in and passenger screening.

The redesigned arrangement will include clearer separation and designation of spaces primarily for arriving and departing passengers, with the aim of improving movement through the airport.

New Terminal to Increase Capacity

The Government's plan also includes the construction of a new terminal at JKIA.

The project is expected to take approximately 54 months to complete and will increase the airport's capacity by an estimated 10 million passengers annually.

The expansion is intended to address growing passenger demand and strengthen JKIA's role as a major regional aviation hub.

JKIA currently handles approximately 8.8 million passengers and more than 358 kilotonnes of cargo each year.

The airport also serves a significant number of transit passengers, with approximately 60 per cent of passengers processed at the facility classified as transit travellers.

Focus on Efficiency and Compliance

The latest measures come as the Government seeks to modernise operations at JKIA while improving security, passenger experience and compliance with international aviation standards.

Airlines and airport operators are expected to play a key role in implementing the new procedures, particularly in ensuring accurate baggage identification and adherence to established luggage requirements.

The planned digitisation of passenger and baggage processes, alongside the deployment of new airport systems and expansion of terminal infrastructure, is expected to provide JKIA with additional capacity as passenger and cargo volumes continue to grow.

The Government says the measures will ultimately help create a more efficient, secure and better-organised airport environment for passengers travelling through Kenya's main aviation gateway.