JKIA safety alarm: Hawkers, encroachment expose major security gaps

Security and safety concerns at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) have come under sharp scrutiny following revelations of widespread operational lapses, with unregulated activities such as hawking and encroachment which have now been cited as major risks to passengers and aviation operations, The Informer Media Group has established.

Our investigations established that last week, a multi-agency security team at JKIA held a joint meeting which unearthed glaring negligence on the part of the Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) headed by Board Chairman Caleb Kositany and the newly appointed KAA Managing Director Moses Wekesa.

A follow-up joint meeting that brings together KAA, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airport Police Unit (KAPU) among other specialised security formations is set for next week.

Wekasa was appointed barely a fortnight ago, April 14, 2024 in a substantive capacity to takeover from the KAA Finance General Manager, Mohamud Gedi who was serving in an acting capacity.

“It is not only an eyesore but also a grave security risk to have hawking at an international airport. Kenya Airports Authority is the weak link,” a disgruntled board official intimated.

By the time of going to the press, attempts to reach KAA management for comment proved futile.

The safety gaps at East Africa’s busiest airport now paints a picture of systemic weaknesses that could undermine its status as a key regional aviation hub.

Among the most glaring concerns is the proliferation of informal traders and unauthorised persons operating within and around airport premises, a restricted vital installation.

These activities, often unchecked, have raised alarm over potential security breaches, as they create opportunities for unauthorised access to restricted zones and disrupt the controlled environment required for safe airport operations.

The findings come amid growing concern over the state of aviation safety in Kenya, with recent incidents—including runway excursions and mid-air collisions—placing renewed focus on regulatory compliance and infrastructure standards.

Late last year, an audit of the JKIA revealed that infrastructure and safety deficiencies could jeopardise the airport’s certification and operations.

In 2024, JKIA was turned into a national shame owing to rampant power outages and leaking roofs.

The audit conducted in partnership with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), identified a range of deficits, including poor runway conditions, an understaffed firefighting response team and systemic weaknesses within safety oversight departments.

The report described the main runway as being in a state of disintegration, with rubber deposits marring the runway markings.

The airport’s firefighting personnel were revealed to be short of international standards by almost 50 per cent, with only 77 staff.

The audit recommended downgrading the airport’s rescue and firefighting category from nine to seven.

This downgrade would prevent the airport from being able to accommodate large aircraft such as B777s, B787s and A350s.

The audit further highlights broader structural and management failures, including encroachment by private developments, deteriorating infrastructure, and weak enforcement of safety regulations.

Insiders contend that such lapses not only compromise physical security but also pose operational hazards, particularly in sensitive areas such as runways, access roads, and emergency routes.

“There are governance issues that point to weak oversight systems within airport management,” another source intimated.

The revelations comes against the backdrop of shocking revelations by the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu which revealed KAA’s land valued at Sh986.5billion has either been encroached on by illegal individuals or lacks the necessary documentation.

The report from the Auditor General Nancy Gathungu shows that the said pieces have been occupied by third parties, church organizations and other private parties.

“However, as previously reported, review of the land balances and the supporting records revealed various unsatisfactory matters…In the circumstances, the accuracy and ownership of land balance of Ksh986,547,150,000 could not be confirmed,” the report adds in part.

For instance, a part of land parcel in Embakasi – Nairobi valued at Sh4.3 million was illegally excised and allocated to a third party.

According to the report, although the management went to court and the case was determined in favour of the authority, the respondent on April 9 2024 filed a notice of appeal.

However, no stay orders were issued against the earlier court determination.

“The order was thus extracted and forwarded to the relevant parties for enforcement which includes removal of the structures erected. The authority filed an application before the court seeking issuance of eviction orders and the matter is pending in court for direction, ” the reports add in part.

Another parcel of land located at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been occupied by a third party and the matter is pending at the Court of Appeal for determination.

However, KAA has since fenced off the parcel of land and there is no encroachment by the third parties.

In another case a parcel of land at Wilson Airport has been occupied by a third party and despite KAA moving to the High Court for determination the third party has since withdrawn from the case.

At the Malindi Airport, the report says that a parcel of land at Malindi has been irregularly allocated to a church organisation while another parcel of land has been allocated to a petroleum company.

Following the review of the title deeds against the survey plan issued to the Malindi Airport, the authority has appealed to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of lands to revoke the titles as well as raised similar issue with the National Land Commission for advisories and recovery.

In another case, 85 parcels of land at eight airstrips had been allocated to third parties.

According to the report, the National Land Commission (NLC) did a review of titles 46 parcels of land within JKIA.

With regards to the freehold parcel of land in Kisumu with a book value of Sh190.8 million and is on lease from Kisumu municipality, the said parcels lack ownership documents.

At the same time the report raised concerns over the irregular use of direct procurement for repairs and maintenance of works at JKIA.

According to the report, a review of procurement records revealed that a firm was awarded tender for relocation, repairs and maintenance works for terminals 1B & C HVAC equipment for JKIA at a contract sum of Sh8million for a duration of one year through direct procurement method but a review of the signed and approved user requisition, evaluation reports and signed contract revealed the various unsatisfactory issues.

According to the report although the accounting officer issued a tender document which formed the basis for evaluation and subsequent negotiations, it was noted that the bidder did not meet the mandatory requirements as per the evaluation criteria set in the tender document.

Further, the report says that a review of records revealed that KAA management had planned for the procurements to be undertaken through open tender in procurement plan at the beginning of the financial year.

“There was no proper justification for the use of direct procurement as the management decided to engage a sub-contractor of similar works instead of the main contractor who had a previous similar project with the authority,” the report adds.