Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is set to benefit from improvements following a high-level meeting between the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs (MFA). The meeting addressed issues affecting diplomatic and protocol operations at the airport.
Key issues discussed at the meeting included the challenges currently faced by the diplomatic community at the airport, and strategies to facilitate their clearance and movement in line with international standards.
The two groups agreed to establish a United Nations Humanitarian Hub and acknowledged the request for a dedicated Red Cross Logistical Hub.
“Both sides recognised the importance of enhancing Kenya’s capacity to support humanitarian and emergency operations,” the Ministry noted.
Additionally, the implementation of an Integrated Protocol Management System, aimed at digitising and harmonising protocol procedures across various agencies to improve coordination and service delivery, was also discussed.
The meeting also focused on the adherence to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), particularly regarding the rights and privileges of diplomatic personnel operating in Kenya.
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) is a landmark international treaty that forms the bedrock of modern diplomatic law. It codifies and systematizes the long-standing customs and practices governing diplomatic relations between independent countries.
Its primary purpose is to facilitate "the development of friendly relations" among nations by providing a clear, uniform set of rules and principles that enable diplomats to perform their functions effectively, safely, and without undue interference from host states.
Enhancing the security of the State Pavilion was also identified as a priority, alongside improving, expanding, and ensuring optimal usage of VIP and protocol lounges at airports across the country to provide a more seamless experience for high-level dignitaries and diplomatic guests.
The State Pavilion at JKIA is a specialized, exclusive facility primarily used for official state functions, diplomatic arrivals/departures, and high-level government protocols.
It is designed for Very, Very Important Persons (VVIPs), specifically the President of Kenya, visiting Heads of State and Government, other high-ranking diplomats, and dignitaries.
Its main function is to facilitate smooth, secure, and discreet movements for these high-profile individuals, bypassing the main public terminals. This ensures enhanced security, privacy, efficiency, and protocol adherence.
The inclusion of a "State Pavilion" as part of JKIA's facilities dates back to the airport's expansion in the 1970s, indicating its long-standing role in facilitating state protocol.
Aside from the aforementioned changes, the meeting also discussed the need to revise the Kenya National Civil Aviation Security Program, in collaboration with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), to align with evolving global security standards.
This is particularly after the shoes-off policy is set to be dropped by major international airports, especially in the United States.
