A large contingent of security officers from various units has been deployed to ensure the safety of travelers and maintain normal operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in response to anticipated protests at the facility.
Protesters are planning to occupy the airport, prompting a significant security presence. A spot check revealed numerous officers, particularly from the General Service Unit (GSU) and anti-riot officers from the administration police service, stationed around the airport.
Sources within the security apparatus indicate that the deployment followed a day-long meeting on Monday between top security officials and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at the airport. Hundreds of armed security officers were observed at the primary screening yard, the main entry point to the facility, as early as 6 a.m. This area is usually manned by regular officers from the JKIA police station, assisted by GSU officers from the nearby Embakasi Training School.
Despite the heightened security, services inside the facility remained uninterrupted, and thorough security checks were conducted for those entering. As a precautionary measure, some companies at the airport instructed their workers to stay home.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reminded protesters on Monday that breaching security and entering protected areas is an offense punishable by law. “In light of the demonstrations planned for July 23, 2024, it is critical to firmly remind the public of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas,” Kanja stated on Tuesday evening.
He explained that the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prohibits unauthorized entry into designated protected areas. “Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, includes the LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant, and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” he said.
Kanja further emphasized that Section 58 of the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 on trespass stipulates that any person who trespasses on land forming part of a government or licensed airfield commits an offense punishable by law.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” Kanja warned.
