Government's New Plan to Transform JKIA ahead of US Direct Flights Plan

The government has embarked on a plan to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class facility as Kenya Airways prepares to fly its maiden direct flight to the United States later this year.

In the new plan, the government will among other things install a new parking system, kick out corrupt officials, regulate taxi and tour operators as well as improve the efficiency at security screening points.

Long queues at the airport will be a thing of the past as passengers will spend less time on bookings and at baggage claims. The facility will also enjoy uninterrupted water and power supply.

This comes after three Cabinet secretaries on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding bringing together seven State agencies under their dockets, which operate at JKIA, to a 100-day deadline on the goals.

Speaking during the signing, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i said the plan must be implemented within the set time.

“Government documents are signed everyday and we go on leave,” said Dr Matiang’i. “Others just disappear.

“We can’t just sign things and walk away. Signing the charters is just the beginning. I want a report from you on how we are performing on the basis of this charter.

“If we need to change the personnel, we do so; if we must invest more resources, we do that, so that we don’t repeat mistakes that have been made in the past.

“Change must be felt by people passing through this airport.”

Transport CS James Macharia warned the agencies' executives in his ministry: “We want to hear action. Whenever we commit ourselves, we have to follow it up with action.”

State agencies operating at the JKIA include Kenya Airports Police Unit, Kenya Revenue Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, Kenya Plants Health Inspectorate Service, the Port Health, Immigration directorate and National Youth Service.

The inaugural direct flight to the US, which will land in New York, is scheduled for October 28th.