Security Forces Deployed to Secure JKIA Ahead of Anticipated Protests

In response to the planned protests at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a contingent of security officers from various units has been mobilized to ensure the safety of travelers and maintain normal operations at the facility.

According to reports, a group of protesters are planning to occupy the airport, prompting the security forces to take action.

A spot check at the airport revealed a significant presence of officers, particularly from the General Service Unit (GSU) and anti-riot officers from the Administration Police Service, stationed at the primary screen yard, which is the main entry point to the facility.

The area is normally manned by regular officers from the JKIA police station, assisted by GSU officers from the nearby Embakasi Training School.

However, for this occasion, the security presence has been considerably increased.

Inside the airport, services remained uninterrupted, and those entering underwent thorough security checks.

Sources within the security apparatus indicate that the deployment followed a day-long meeting on Monday between top security bosses and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at the facility.

As a security measure, some companies at the airport have asked their workers to remain at home.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has reminded the protesters that bridging security and venturing into protected areas is an offense punishable by law.

Kanja emphasized that the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya and the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 prohibit the entry of unauthorized persons into areas declared as protected, including the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA).

The National Police Service has vowed to uphold and enforce these laws, urging all individuals participating in the demonstrations to respect the legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with the protected areas at JKIA.