JKIA Introduces New Baggage Rules for Passengers Travelling to Nairobi

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has introduced new baggage rules at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), prohibiting passengers travelling to Nairobi from attaching their luggage to that of other travellers.

Under the new rules, bags found to be linked together will be separated and returned to their owners at the passengers’ own expense. KAA said the measure is intended to prevent the misuse of passenger baggage to transport commercial goods without complying with customs and tax requirements.

Authorities said the practice of combining luggage has been used to bypass airline baggage limits and customs procedures. Traders can also use it to present commercial goods as personal belongings and avoid taxes payable to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Airlines have been directed to ensure that baggage is correctly classified. Cargo must be processed through designated cargo terminals rather than passenger check-in areas. Operators that facilitate unauthorised movement of cargo may face suspension or other regulatory action.

The enforcement measures are being implemented in line with standards set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). The baggage changes are part of a wider modernisation programme at JKIA. 

Authorities have introduced the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) to improve flight identification and management, while centralised check-in and passenger screening systems are being introduced to streamline airport operations. Terminal layouts are also being reorganised to create clearer separation between arriving and departing passengers. 

The changes are intended to reduce congestion and improve the movement of passengers through the airport. The government is also advancing the Advanced Passenger Registration (APR) system, which is designed to strengthen passenger data management and security. 

The system is expected to become operational within the next month. JKIA currently handles about 8.8 million passengers and more than 358 kilotonnes of cargo each year. Authorities aim to increase passenger capacity to 12 million through the construction of a new terminal.

The new terminal has been allocated a budget of Ksh154.2 billion and is expected to take 54 months to complete. It forms the centrepiece of the airport’s long-term expansion plans.

The government said the measures are intended to improve passenger experience and operational efficiency while strengthening compliance with aviation and customs requirements. The reforms are being introduced as JKIA prepares to handle growing passenger and cargo volumes.

The changes will require airlines and passengers to adjust to stricter baggage controls as the airport expands its systems and infrastructure.