JKIA and Moi International Airport Win ACI’s Best Airports in Africa
NAIROBI March 01, 2021 –Airports Council International (ACI) – the voice of world airports; has today awarded the coveted Best Airport by Size and Region to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, and Moi International Airport (MIA), Mombasa for their excellence in customer service.
JKIA won the 2020 Best Airport by Size and Region in the 5 – 15 million passengers per year in Africa while MIA won the 2020 Best Airport by Size and Region under 2 million passengers per year in Africa in ACI’s Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Survey. ASQ is the world’s leading airport customer experience measurement and benchmarking programme. The survey captures passengers’ experience at all airport passenger contact points at more than 300 airports worldwide.
While officially writing to the Authority on the awards, ACI World Director General, Luis Felipe de Oliveira congratulated Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for its efforts in improving customer experience.
“I congratulate KAA on the success in the Airport Service Quality Awards which represent the highest possible accolade for airport operators around the world on customer experience. During this most difficult and challenging of years, customers have spoken and recognized the successful efforts of the team at KAA in providing a superior customer experience under trying circumstances.” – Mr. Felipe de Oliveira said
Kenya Airports Authority’s Acting Managing Director, Alex Gitari noted that the recognition was timely, coming at a time when JKIA and MIA are undergoing major rehabilitation works set to further improve on customer experience.
“Winning these awards is a reaffirmation of our commitment to providing our customers with a stress-free travel experience. We are truly excited and encouraged by these prestigious awards which herald a new horizon in our customer satisfaction journey across our airports.” Mr. Gitari stated.
The ACI Awards for JKIA and MIA come soon after the recent recognition of the two airports under ACI World’s Voice of Customer Initiative.
Refurbishment and Upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Nairobi 7th January, 2021 – Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is committed to positioning JKIA as the preferred regional aviation hub. In this regard, KAA has embarked on a renovation project to upgrade the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s Terminal 1B and 1C.
The 12-month airport development project which is estimated to cost KES. 963 million aims to refurbish the departure halls to improve the check-in, security screening, retail operations as well as passenger lounge experience.
Once completed, the newly renovated light-filled departure terminals will deliver modern concessions and amenities that will give travelers a friendly and memorable experience. It will also ease passenger flow and increase efficiency due to the centralization of security screening procedures and the reallocation of available floor spaces to international departure gates.
“The refurbishment and facelift of the T1B & 1C aims to align the passenger experience in these terminals to match what is offered at T1A. said KAA Ag. MD/CEO Alex Gitari. “The remodeling project is an integral part of the ongoing JKIA Customer Service Improvement Plan (CSIP) which was formulated from feedback from our stakeholders and customers”, he added.
To expedite the implementation of this project, Airlines that have been operating from Terminal 1B and 1C are being temporarily relocated to Terminal 1A and Terminal 2. To minimize inconveniences, passengers are requested to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before their flight departures.
It’s great that you can fly again and visit friends and family, go on a business trip or take a relaxing holiday. Before you come to the airport, we would like to inform you about what to expect – whether your journey starts or ends with us, or whether the airport is a stopover. That way, you will be well prepared for your journey.
We at Kenya Airports Authority have taken precautions for you and your fellow travelers in order avert the spread of COVID-19; in this regard, we have mapped out the passenger journey at all our major airports and illustrated it on this Airport Passenger Journey Document that you can download and go through before your next travel.
Follow this link for the latest list of countries exempted from Kenya’s travel quarantine.
Please also find the 10 most important measures to note listed below:
The COVID-19 Port Health Services is Now Paperless!
Please note you will be required to fill the Travelers Health Surveillance Form ONLINE via Downloading “Jitenge MoH Kenya” App and Signing up as Air Traveler or via bit.ly/covid19moh.
Maintain 1.5-metres of distance from one another
Wear your face mask at all times
Wash your hands and Sanitize regularly
Cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow
Use paper tissues and throw them away after you blow your nose
Avoid shaking hands
Make contactless payments
Follow our directions.
GENERAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
1. All travelers arriving into Kenya through any point of entry must have a certificate of COVID19 vaccination. The following categories of travelers are exempt from the requirement:
Travelers with medical conditions precluding vaccination. Such persons shall be required to provide a letter from a recognized medical practitioner detailing the medical reason precluding vaccination.
Travelers who have recovered from an active COVID-19 infection or received convalescent plasma in the preceding 90 days. Such persons shall be required to provide a letter from a recognized medical practitioner showing that the person may have recovered from an active infection in the preceding 90 days.
Returning unvaccinated Kenyans who have difficulty accessing vaccines in their current country of residence. Such persons must be prepared to be vaccinated immediately upon arrival and must register for vaccination on Chanjo-Ke platform before departure. Proof of registration shall be required before entry in to the country.
2. All travelers coming to Kenya who are fully vaccinated shall be exempt from the requirement of a PCR test.
3. All eligible unvaccinated travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya, must be in possession of a valid COVID-19 negative PCR test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure regardless of the route of entry. Children below the age of five (5) years are exempt from this requirement.
4. Unvaccinated travelers arriving at any point of entry shall be subjected to rapid antigen test at their own cost of 30 USD .Any person who test positive on antigen RDT will be subjected to PCR test at their own further cost of 50 USD and self-isolate. Travelers below the age of five (5) years are exempt from this testing requirement.
5. There will be no paper verification of COVID-19 test results and vaccination certificates upon arrival into Kenya. Airlines should ensure that all travelers have uploaded both documents into global haven before boarding via www.globalhaven.org
6. Operating crew are exempt from COVID-19 test when on a layover between flights. They must adhere to COVID-19 protocols from airport to hotel/residence and back to airport.
7. All travelers arriving at any port of entry into Kenya will be required to fill the passenger locator form on the ‘jitenge’ platform. Airlines are advised to allow passengers onboard to use paper passenger locator forms whenever the “jitenge” platform may be down. Port health officers shall clear passengers upon arrival into Kenya.
8. Passengers travelling out of Kenya will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.
9. Pre-departure testing may be considered at the discretion of any of the airlines departing from or terminating in Kenya.
10. All travelers to countries requiring antigen testing hours before travel will be required to undertake pre-travel rapid antigen test at the MOH Port Health facility at the airport and the results uploaded to the Trusted Travel platform
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
How do I maintain 1.5-metre social distancing at the Airport?
The most important thing at airports is to maintain your distance from others. Some of the measures in place include markings, floor stickers and posters to indicate 1.5-metres of space. We also have staff throughout the airport that will be able to help you with this. Please do your best to maintain your distance and wash your hands regularly when you are at the airport.
Will I be quarantined on arrival in Kenya?
All arriving passengers on international flights with a COVID-19 Negative certificate whose body temperature is NOT above 37.5° C (99.5°F), do NOT have a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing or other flu-like symptoms, have negative tests carried out within 96 hours before travel and are from countries considered low to medium risk COVID – 19 transmission areas (list of countries here), shall be exempted from quarantine. For passengers traveling out of the country, they will be required to abide by the particular travel, health and COVID-19 related requirements of the destination country.
What kind of measures can I expect when traveling through the airport?
Passengers who are about to travel through the airport can visit this website for general information about what to expect and what measures the airport and its partners have taken in the recent period to allow passengers to travel safely and responsibly. The basis for these measures are the protocols airlines and airports have drawn up. These protocols are in line with the advice given by the local and international health and aviation authorities and have been drawn in close consultation with the government.
Can I come with friends and family to the airport?
Please come to the airport alone – if it’s at all possible – in order to have a safe and responsible start to your trip. For pick-ups and drop-offs, the following rules apply: Please wait for travelers in the car park or say goodbye when you drop them off. Even though it’s not that nice, this way will enable us to ensure that everyone who is present at the airport must actually be there. We do understand that there really is no other option if you are joining a travel group or assisting someone in need of help. Please ensure that you maintain 1.5-metres of distance from other travelers.
Do I have to wear a face mask at the Airport?
All travelers are being asked to wear a face mask throughout your passenger journey at all our airports.
What happens if I need to be searched at security?
You may be searched if something is found during the compulsory security scans, which are performed when you enter the security area. If something is found, a security officer will come close to you – wearing a face mask and gloves – because they are unable to maintain a 1.5-metre distance for the purposes of their job. Please ensure you also use your own face mask at this point. Hand sanitizers are available so that you can disinfect your hands after the checks.
Can I carry hand sanitizer with me in my hand baggage?
Yes, as long as the sanitizer is stored in a 100 ml container. The sanitizer is subject to the liquid rules.
What happens if my flight is operating at night during curfew hours?
Passengers will be allowed to use their boarding pass/tickets at road blocks to enable them to get to and from the airport.
Where can I wash my hands at the airport?
You can use any of the amenities at the airport to wash your hands. In addition, we have placed additional hand sanitizers in Departures and Arrivals which are available for free. Please regularly disinfect your hands at these points and try to touch as few things as possible.
When should I arrive at the airport?
We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior for international travel and 2 hours prior for domestic travel. Even though there are fewer flights than usual due to the 1.5-metre distancing measures, please ensure you are on time.
Who should I tell if I see someone with health complaints?
Please stay at home if you have health problems yourself, such as a fever, or mild complaints such as the common cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat or a mild cough. We consider the health of you and your fellow travelers to be most important. If you feel fine, but suspect that a fellow traveller has complaints, please keep your distance and warn an airport or airline employee and they will assist you further.
Please Note that the information on this page is correct to the best of Kenya Airport’s knowledge at the time of publication and is being reviewed and updated on an ongoing basis. Given the rapidly evolving nature of the international response to the COVID-19 outbreak, we encourage you to check the current situation and entry requirements for the country you intend to visit.
Feel free to contact our Port Heath team at the airport with any further questions by calling +254705164724.
KAA Becomes First Airport Authority in Africa to Sign The Buckingham Palace Declaration.
Kenya Airports Authority has joined more than 100 transport sector companies who have confirmed their support to combat wildlife trafficking by signing the United for Wildlife (UFW) Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration. The agreement sets out tangible steps that can be taken to close the routes exploited by traffickers of the illegal wildlife trade as they attempt to move their products from rare and vulnerable ecosystems to market.
The illegal wildlife trade threatens the future existence of many of the world’s most iconic species and is one of the five most lucrative global crimes. The declaration is a landmark agreement which forms an action plan to strengthen and coordinate action against trafficking. It brings focus and collaboration to efforts by airports and other stakeholders to break the link between the rapidly escalating poaching crisis in regions like Africa and the demand for illegal wildlife products elsewhere around the world.
“Species are being hunted to extinction through the illegal killing and trading of wild animals. We seek to build a broad international coalition to be truly effective in combatting these deplorable practices,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said. “Airports play a key role in this fight and those that have become new signatories to the Buckingham Palace Declaration have demonstrated their commitment to combatting this trade. We encourage more airports and more of our partners to collaborate with us in this important work.”
Chair of the United for Wildlife Taskforce, Lord William Hague, said, “I wholeheartedly welcome those members of ACI who have committed to join our Taskforce by signing the Buckingham Palace Declaration, and would like to thank ACI for providing such an opportunity.”
Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airports Authority, Jonny Andersen, commented, “Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is the first Airport Authority in Africa to have signed the Buckingham Palace declaration. This is as a result of recognizing the threat of illegal trade in the region and taking proactive actions. We have committed to the fight against Illegal Wildlife Trafficking by enacting laws, developing policies and procedures and training our personnel to ensure that illegal wildlife products do not pass through our airports.”
The issue was a feature at a forum at the ACI Asia-Pacific/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition, which helped airports identify opportunities to develop a framework of action against wildlife trafficking. Airports Council International is one of several industry partners working with the USAID ROUTES Partnership to engage and support industry, provide training and raise awareness.
JKIA Achieves Last Point of Departure Status Paving Way for Direct Flights to the US
Following the announcement between His Excellency, President Uhuru Kenyatta and President Donald Trump, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has now achieved Last Point of Departure status. This allows JKIA to facilitate direct flights between Kenya and the US.
Kenya’s National Carrier Kenya Airways will now fly directly to the US, presenting new opportunities for Kenyans in Travel, Trade and Commerce. The first flight is scheduled to depart on 28th of October 2018.
“This is a major achievement for Kenya as JKIA becomes one of the elite African airports to be certified as a last point of departure to the United States. JKIA is now poised to become the premier hub in Africa.” said KAA Managing Director, Jonny Andersen
JKIA Ranked Best Airport in Africa in the 2018 AirHelp Annual Score ratings of the world’s best airlines and airports.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport’s (JKIA) has been ranked as the best Airport in Africa and 38th globally by the Air help worldwide ranking group in the 2018 AirHelp Annual Score ratings of the world’s best airlines and airports. The ranking was based on a recent assessment of quality of service, on-time performance, and passenger experience at airports.
AirHelp Score rankings examined data from December 22, 2017, to March 20, 2018, factoring in delayed and canceled flights, public reviews from trustworthy sources and social media sentiments. JKIA scored highly, stumping its African peers and hosts of globally respected airports.
“JKIA airport has earned its position as a key aviation hub for the region and indeed the continent. Being the main gateway to the country, continuous improvement of service standards will aid our success in reclaiming our position as the premier tourist destination on the continent,” said Mr Andersen.
Mr. Andersen noted that under his stewardship, KAA continues to set new standards of services to customers, as a result, the authority recently launched the JKIA Service Charter, a document that promises to improve service delivery at the region’s busiest airport.
The 2018 AirHelp Score marks the company’s sixth report since it began evaluations in 2015. AirHelp developed this annual report to combine expert knowledge and industry expertise to give air passengers all the information they need to informatively book a flight and feel confident in their choices.
Early this year, JKIA was recorgnised as the best-improved airport in Africa in the prestigious 2017 Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality Awards. Jomo Kenyatta emerged winner in the Best Improvement by Region-Africa Category in what is considered as the aviation industry’s most comprehensive passenger service-benchmarking program that captured passengers’ experience at all airport passenger contact points at more than 300 airports worldwide.
The Cabinet Secretary Transport, Infrastructure, Housing & Urban Development Mr. James Macharia accompanied by the Principal Secretary Department of Transport Prof Maringa Mwangi, today officially welcomed the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of Kenya Airports Authority, Mr. Isaac Awuondo.
The Cabinet Secretary congratulated the Chairman on his appointment by His Excellency the President and noted that Mr. Awuondo is an accomplished professional with a proven track record, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board and the Authority.
He underscored that Kenya Airports Authority is one the four key strategic State Corporations. Further, that KAA has a critical role in execution of Government policy on the integrated transport system.
The Cabinet Secretary assured the Chairman, the Board and Management of the Ministry’s support in maintaining and enhancing JKIA’s Hub status as it looks to attain Last Point of Departure (LPD) status; and Open Skies becoming a reality.
