Kenyans participating in the anti-government protests are now planning to take their demonstrations to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. The movement, dubbed #OccupyJKIA, aims to increase pressure on President William Ruto to meet their demands.
On Tuesday morning, heavy traffic was observed at the airport as travelers rushed to be on time for the heightened security checks and to catch their flights.
On Monday evening, the National Police Service warned protesters against accessing the airport, which is classified as a protected area in Kenya. Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja stated that while Kenyans have the right to protest, they must respect the legal boundaries governing access to protected areas.
“The Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents unauthorized persons from entering declared protected areas, which include the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” Kanja said in a statement. He also noted that the Kenya Civil Aviation Act stipulates that anyone trespassing on government aerodrome land commits an offense punishable by law.
Anticipating the impact of the protests, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) advised passengers on Monday evening to expect longer security protocols, while the national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) recommended travelers arrive four hours before their departure time.
“Due to heightened security checks and protocols at JKIA, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early to avoid any potential delays in catching their flights. Kindly contact your respective airline for the latest flight information,” the national airport operator announced on its social media pages.
