Kenya Airports Authority sued for hiking JKIA parking fees

The decision by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to hike parking fees at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been challenged in court.

The petitioners, the managing Trustees of the Nairobi Foundation, claim that the explanation offered by KAA is designated to compromise, curtail and undermine the freedom of movement and dignity of many travelling Kenyans.

They want the court to restrain KAA from implementing the said decision pending hearing and determination of the case.

They argue that the respondent’s decision to increase the parking fees for motor vehicles of various categories is exploitative, punitive and oppressive.

“The 1st and 2nd respondents have jointly and severally arbitrarily increased the parking fees at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport to levels that are exorbitant, prohibitive and exploitative to the public in general,” reads the petition.

KAA Parking –services (KAPS) Limited, KAA, CS Ministry of Transport, CS Ministry of Finance have been named as respondents in the case. Also named as a respondent is the Attorney General.

The petitioners argue that no opportunity was accorded to any member of the public who would be affected by the directive to submit their views on the decision.

In the new charges announced on April 10, motorists parking for 20 minutes or less would be required to pay Ksh.100, those parking for between 20 and 40 minutes would be charged Ksh.250, while those parking for between 40 minutes and 1 hour would part with Ksh.350.

Motorists parking for between 1 and 2 hours were supposed to be charged Ksh.500.

KAPS said any motorist staying in the zone for more than 2 hours would be penalised.