The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) management is on the spot over skyrocketing cases of theft from passengers’ checked-in luggage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, The Informer has learnt.
Effectively, safety standards of passengers’ luggage has been put to question following multiple complaints of theft by travelers’.
Passengers either on transit or those traveling in and out of the country have taken to the social media to vent out their dismay after discovering some valuables in their checked in luggage has been pilfered.
Today, Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) Managing Director Alex Gitari remained tight-lipped over the matter despite efforts to reach his office for comment.
Travelers complained of their valuables having been stolen at the airport while departing to their destinations.
According to one George Mwaura, he found his bag opened and his ipad stolen while using Ethiopian airways.
“Happened to me while using Ethiopian airways. Bag opened ipad disappeared. Made me swear never to use Ethiopian ever again,” he tweeted.
“Precisely. The theft is not unique to KQ, rather it’s a JKIA problem. I’ve been a victim too on an ET flight. I’ve lost items even on a domestic flight operated by Fly540,” said Fred Ndaga, one of the victim sampled by The Informer.
While exressing their displeasure of apparent security lapse at the country’s largest airport, Michael Kagwe wondered whether it is so hard on the part of KAA to crack down those workers at JKIA who break into luggage and steal valuables.
When reached for comment, KAA Public Relations Manager Grace Odhiambo said they will get back.
“Good morning. This is noted. We shall revert.” She said in response to our queries through Whatsapp.
However, the MD did not respond to our questions sent via mail on the apparent security lapse.
In 2019, a Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) employee and an intern were captured on camera stealing property of an airlines company and were consequently arrested.
The two were reportedly caught on camera stealing luggage straps at JKIA.
Passengers who believe their items may have been stolen during security screening, are required to file a report with the airport authority.
Some travel insurance policies may cover stolen luggage in certain situations.
If a traveler can prove their items were lost in transit and have a filed police report, then they may be able to recover some costs with an insurance claim.
However, coverage may be limited to the items covered by the policy, so be sure to understand what is and isn’t covered in your bags before making a claim.
