Travellers via Kenyan airpors are happy as Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) have announced plans to eliminate the 100ml limit on liquids in hand luggage for air travellers at its airports, in line with a global trend.
This move will allow passengers to carry up to two litres of liquids and avert the need to remove large electrical items from their cabin luggage at security checkpoints.
Currently, passengers are instructed to remove tablets, laptops, and liquids from their cabin bags, with liquids limited to 100ml and packed in clear plastic bags for security screening.
"The following may be carried in your hand luggage only if they are stored in containers up to 100mls and placed in a transparent reseal able plastic bag and thereafter shall be screened separately from other items carried in the hand luggage," KCAA website reads.
"The capacity of the transparent plastic bag must not be greater than 1 litre."
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The regulations were introduced back in to ensure travellers' safety.
However, Emile Arao, the KCAA director-general, stated that the current system causes delays, and some passengers have been forced to drink water meant for their babies.
“We must do this because even mothers have been forced to drink water they were carrying for their babies. If there is a way to ascertain that the fluids they are carrying are not dangerous, it will be a benefit to all," Arao said.
He added that the KCAA is working with the Kenya Airports Authority, the US Transport Security Agency, the UK government’s department for transport, and the Dutch government to identify and provide the necessary equipment for this shift.
“It is something that we are keen on working with the Kenya Airports Authority so that we have a seamless process for passengers because the current system wastes a lot of time,” Arao said.
There is no official announcement yet regarding when the new rules will take effect in Kenya.