Kenyan authorities on Tuesday intensified security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) amid warnings that youthful anti-government protesters planned to march toward the facility. The heightened alert came after Gen-Z groups vowed to disrupt airport operations in response to President William Ruto’s controversial decision to reinstate six Cabinet secretaries just days after they were dismissed. With demonstrations expected across Nairobi, airport officials urged travelers to prepare for delays caused by tightened checks and heavy police deployment on routes leading to the country’s busiest aviation hub.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and Kenya Airways (KQ) issued public advisories cautioning passengers to arrive several hours before departure, citing additional screening procedures and possible traffic congestion. KAA noted that the stepped-up protocols were necessary to safeguard operations at a critical national installation, warning that longer queues and slower movement into terminal buildings were likely throughout the day. Kenya Airways echoed the alert, recommending that travelers report to the airport at least four hours early and utilize digital check-in options to reduce bottlenecks. The airline added that although efforts were being made to maintain normal flight schedules, some delays were inevitable due to the evolving security situation.
Police leadership also weighed in, declaring JKIA and other strategic locations off-limits to protesters. Acting Inspector-General Douglas Kanja reminded the public that the Protected Areas Act and the Civil Aviation Act criminalize unauthorized access to airports and other restricted zones. He cautioned demonstrators to avoid confrontation with security personnel, emphasizing that the National Police Service remained duty-bound to enforce the law. The protests have been driven largely by economic frustrations and growing demands for accountability following weeks of unrest earlier in the year, when youth-led demonstrations forced the withdrawal of the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
As tensions simmer, authorities say they will continue monitoring the situation and adjusting security measures to ensure uninterrupted airport operations. Analysts warn that disruptions at JKIA, a major entry point for international airlines, could have wider economic implications if unrest persists. With organizers indicating that demonstrations may continue in the coming days, attention now shifts to how the government will balance security enforcement with public demands for political transparency and reform. The outcome of this standoff could signal the direction of Kenya’s broader debate over governance, taxation and youth inclusion in national decision-making.