KAA Tightens Security Checks At Airports

This follows the introduction of new security measures aimed at boosting security against terrorism.

The new measures require that travellers be at the airport in time to allow one hour for the procedure which includes vehicles being searched and the occupants alighting to be frisked.

Ordinarily, airports require that one be at the airport about two hours before a flight’s scheduled time bringing the total time to about 3 hours.

The new security system was announced by Kenya Airports Authority managing director Lucy Mbugua.

The measures come barely two weeks after an explosion at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi, on January 16.

Head of airports security Eric Kiraithe said the new checks were put in place in response to “intelligence reports and matters of concern raised.”

According to reports, plans are underway to have 16 security checks at entry points such that 16 vehicles will be inspected at a given time- once the

check points are constructed.

Kiraithe said that once the check points and construction of extra lanes to accomodate them are complete, it will take less time to check the passengers.

The head of airports security urged all those planning to travel to adhere to the three hour regulation to avoid missing their flights.

By Diana Kariuki