KAA issues clarification after online uproar as SUVs were spotted in restricted JKIA area

Ascah Mwango 02nd December, 2025 03:16 PM

Caption:KAA clarifies viral video of SUV convoy on JKIA tarmac. VIDEO/K24TV

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has responded to a viral video showing a convoy of SUVs driving on the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The video sparked uproar on the internet with netizens raising questions about airport security procedures.

In a statement released on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, KAA said the convoy’s access to the tarmac occurred on October 8, 2025 and was part of the official motorcade for the Prime Minister of an African country, who had arrived at 5.00 pm to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi.

“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to address recent online reactions concerning a video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tarmac,” the statement read in part.

Adding;

“This access, which occurred on 8 October 2025, was for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African country who arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi. The summit was attended by several Heads of State and other senior leaders from COMESA member states.”

A statement released by KAA on. PHOTO/@KenyaAirports/X

The summit was attended by several Heads of State and other senior leaders from COMESA member states.

KAA further confirmed that the motorcade was received by a Cabinet Secretary and that all airside access strictly followed established security procedures.

“KAA confirms that all airside access for this VVIP protocol strictly followed established security procedures and regulations, reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries. Such protocols are standard at JKIA for international summits and comply fully with aviation security standards, prioritising both operational integrity and dignitary safety,” the authority added.