Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has announced a series of groundbreaking measures designed to overhaul service delivery at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the premier African travel hub and the gateway to East Africa.
These reforms, unveiled in the presence of high-ranking officials, promise to reshape the passenger experience and the airport's operations.
"At the centre of these reforms is a Service Charter, which will be signed at the end of the month. It will bring together immigration, customs, police, port health, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and other service providers under the leadership of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)," stated Murkomen.
The Service Charter is a pivotal step in streamlining operations at the airport, ensuring cooperation among various agencies involved in passenger processing.
"This Service Charter will streamline operations, ensuring coordination among immigration, customs, police, port health, and other service providers," Murkomen emphasized.
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Key technological advancements are also part of the package.
"We shall deploy technology to improve screening at the entrance of the airport Passenger Screening Yard (PSY), putting an end to the current practice of passengers alighting at the main gate," Murkomen explained.
Airlines will play a significant role in the reforms.
"Airlines will be required to upgrade their ticket printing to avoid long queues," said Murkomen.
Moreover, a comprehensive Advance Passenger Information (APS) system will be introduced to enhance efficiency and security, with the goal of providing prior passenger data.
Passenger facilitation services will undergo a transformation to restrict unauthorized access.
KAA will establish a dedicated passenger facilitation unit, and all access cards will be withdrawn and screened afresh to ensure professionalism and security.
"Hand luggage scanners will be increased to expedite the process, while any suspicious luggage will be tagged, opened, and subjected to further examination," stated Murkomen.
Infrastructure improvements are also on the horizon.
"KAA will provide canopies at the airport to shield passengers from adverse weather conditions," Murkomen assured.
Additionally, the government will work with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to enhance airport drainage.
"To further enhance passenger comfort, the government will provide larger and more comfortable seating areas, free Wi-Fi, and additional charging ports at JKIA," Murkomen declared.
"Breastfeeding booths will be revamped to ensure they are more comfortable for lactating mothers."
Finally, to uphold the quality of goods and services, Murkomen noted, "We have also undertaken to ensure that the prices and quality of goods offered by concessionaires, such as restaurants, are good and up to the standard."
The comprehensive reforms, unveiled in the presence of high-ranking officials, signify a collaborative effort across multiple agencies to elevate service standards and the passenger experience at JKIA.
These measures mark a significant step in establishing JKIA as a leading travel hub in Africa, dedicated to enhancing the overall travel experience for all passengers.
