National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has introduced an alcoblow test for all staff and personnel contracted by the airline.
The airline announced that the new mechanism which is meant to curb rising cases of drug abuse would see all staff engaged in random tests for alcohol and psychoactive substances.
According to the airline's staff notice number 016/2017 dated April 17, 2017, KQ resorted to alcoblows as several of the airline's staff had been arrested and detained in the recent past over alleged drug trafficking and deported back to the country.
The airline further explained that the tests were meant to ensure that anyone at their premises was in a safe environment and that KQ was compliant with the provisions of the Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations (KCARs) in relation to drugs.
In a memo to all staff, the airline management advised the employees to ensure they comply with the new policy to avoid any form of victimization.
"This is to advise all staff that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has approved our Alcohol and Psychoactive Substance Policy.
"Consequently, the company will embark on random testing of its staff and contracted personnel in a bid to ensure that we comply with Legal and HR policy provisions on alcohol and psychoactive substances," KQ's memo read in part.
KQ's move to introduce the device in it's operations is expected to expand use of the breathalyzer, which is widely known for its use in curbing drunk-driving on Kenyan roads, to airlines.
