Police to vet airport staff in security drive

All airport workers will now be vetted by police, a State agency has said.

This is among measures Kenya Airports Authority is taking at a time when the country is facing serious security challenges.

Airport security personnel have been on high alert since January after Al-Shabaab militants planted an explosive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Head of security at KAA Eric Kiraithe said: “We have communicated to those who operate from the airport and they understand what we are doing.”

The requirement would also be extended to staff working on temporary basis at the airport.

Companies at the airport include cargo handlers, exporters, airlines, travel agencies, banks, taxi operators, forex bureaus, cleaning and catering service providers, retailers, and restaurants among others.

KAA would withdraw gate passes for staff members who would fail to get the certificates of good conduct.

The certificates are issued at Mazingira House, the headquarters of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, at a cost of Sh1,000.

The head of criminal investigations at the airport, Mr Joseph Ngisa, said: “This is a requirement by KAA and all companies licensed to operate from the airport must have their employees screened. It is aimed at ensuring that those operating at the airport do not have a criminal record.”

In other measures introduced earlier, all vehicles must be searched at the entry points with the occupants alighting for frisking.

KAA is also in the process of increasing the number of lanes leading to JKIA, to accommodate more check points. General Service Unit officers have also been deployed at the airport.