In a display of preparedness and commitment to safety, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) successfully conducted a full-scale emergency drill at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) earlier on Tuesday.
KAA issued a statement clarifying circumstances surrounding their initial announcement that claimed an overflying aircraft was involved in an incident.
🚨 An aircraft overflying Nairobi encountered an incident at JKIA this morning. Immediate rescue operations are underway, led by our dedicated emergency response teams.We are working closely with authorities as we prioritize the safety of all involved.More updates to follow— Kenya Airports Authority (@KenyaAirports) May 31, 2023
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The exercise, which simulated an incident of an aircraft crash at the airport, aimed to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure the highest level of preparedness in case of any unforeseen events.
KAA said the primary objective of the drill was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the airport's emergency response procedures, coordination among various agencies, and the overall readiness of the airport's personnel.
By staging a simulated incident, KAA sought to gauge the effectiveness of its protocols and identify areas for improvement.
KAA stressed that the exercise was entirely simulated and did not pose any real danger to passengers, crew members, or airport operations.
The authority also noted that the safety and security of all individuals involved were strictly prioritised throughout the drill.
“KAA would like to assure the public that this incident was entirely simulated and did not pose any real danger to passengers, crew members, or airport operations. The safety and security of all individuals involved were strictly prioritized throughout the exercise,” KAA said.
Kenyans can rest assured that the event was solely a test of the airport's emergency response capabilities.
Speaking about the successful completion of the drill, Alex Gitari, the Managing Director of Kenya Airports Authority, expressed his satisfaction and reaffirmed KAA's commitment to prioritizing safety.
"Safety is our utmost priority at Kenya Airports Authority, and conducting regular emergency drills is a crucial aspect of our commitment to ensuring the highest level of preparedness. I commend the efforts of all the personnel involved in this exercise for their professionalism and dedication,” GItari said.
The drill showcased the dedication and professionalism of the airport's personnel, who worked diligently to demonstrate their preparedness to handle emergency situations.
Through rigorous training and regular drills, KAA aims to continuously improve their emergency response capabilities and maintain the highest standards of safety and security across all its airports.
KAA affirmed it remains committed to fostering a culture of safety and preparedness within the aviation industry.
Such emergency drills play a vital role in strengthening the nation's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential crises that may arise.
As Kenyans breathe a collective sigh of relief, the successful completion of the full-scale emergency drill at JKIA serves as a testament to KAA's unwavering dedication to ensuring the highest standards of safety and security.