Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is under scrutiny after nominated Senator Beth Syego claimed that several vital security scanners were not working at the international transport hub.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing on Wednesday, July 30, Syego claimed that several Under Vehicle Surveillance Systems (UVSS) at the airport, which are critical for screening and detecting metals at terminal entry points for people and vehicles, are not functioning.
She told the committee that they should collaborate with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to provide an immediate, detailed explanation of why the equipment has failed and what steps are being taken to repair it.
She claims that, due to this issue, some vehicles enter the airport without proper screening or without being screened at all, which she says has the potential to compromise the security of the country's largest and busiest airport.
"At the terminal entry points, vehicles are expected to be screened using Under Vehicle Surveillance Systems, while passengers pass through metal detectors. However, it has come to light that several of the UVSS scanners are not operational, resulting in an overreliance on manual checks," the senator claims.
"While passengers are still required to alight and walk through scanners, vehicles are often allowed through with limited or no scrutiny. This situation presents a serious security risk and undermines the effectiveness of the airport's screening procedures,” she added.
The senator went ahead and urged the committee to also draft and table a security status update on all major airports in the country, including Wilson Airport and Moi International Airport in Mombasa.
"Additionally, she requested the committee to clarify the existing policy framework for the regular maintenance of airport security equipment and the contingency measures in place to ensure continued safety in the event of equipment failure," a statement from Parliament read.
It is not the first time a lawmaker has raised alarm over major security dents at the airport. Earlier this year, on March 21, Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale faulted security agencies stationed at the airport over their failure to detect narcotic traffickers.
Speaking during a Parliament session, the lawmaker, who described the situation as "shameful," claimed that traffickers are easily able to bypass airport security undetected and end up being apprehended in other countries.
According to the lawmaker, the security loopholes at the airports, which he further described as "corrupt and rotten," have also tarnished the country's image internationally.
"It is a shame, Mr Speaker, that some of the cases that end up being apprehended in countries like Singapore, Dubai, and other international airports can start their journey here at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)," Khalwale said.
