President William Ruto on Tuesday chaired a Special Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, where the Cabinet approved the 2025 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) and greenlit extensive reforms aimed at transforming the passenger experience at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The government has moved to enhance airport operations, enhance security, and speed up clearance processes at Kenya’s busiest airport.

"At the meeting, Cabinet also endorsed a comprehensive plan to enhance passenger experience at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by streamlining operations and bolstering security.," the Despatch from Cabinet read.

Among the key decisions made was the exemption of all African citizens from Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements, easing intra-African travel.

Additionally, Kenyan travellers bringing goods into the country will now enjoy a significantly increased duty-free threshold, which has been raised from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000.

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"Kenyan citizens will benefit from an increased duty-free threshold of goods brought into the country, which has now been increased from Sh50,000 to Sh250,000," the document read.

To reduce delays at security checkpoints, screening procedures at JKIA will be enhanced through risk-based profiling.

Only flagged baggage will undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room, allowing most passengers to clear security faster.

Immigration services will also receive a major boost, with the number of booths and officers set to double, while the introduction of E-Gates is expected to eliminate long queues and speed up passenger clearance.

The Cabinet further approved measures to enhance accountability among airport staff.

New monitoring technology will be deployed to oversee employees, and all agency workers and retail concessionaires will be required to wear mandatory uniforms with visible name tags.

Infrastructural upgrades at JKIA are also on the way, with plans to modernise baggage handling systems, improve stormwater drainage and access roads, install covered walkways, enhance air conditioning, and put up clearer signage for better navigation.

"JKIA infrastructure will also undergo major upgrades, including modernised baggage handling systems, improved stormwater drainage and access roads, installation of covered walkways, enhanced air conditioning, and clearer signage," the Cabinet approved.

The ‘meet-and-greet’ services will also be strictly regulated to ensure only licensed facilitators operate within the airport, improving security and order.

These reforms, which take immediate effect, are expected to strengthen JKIA’s position as a key aviation hub, improving efficiency, security, and the overall passenger experience.