KAA clarifies viral video of SUV convoy on JKIA tarmac
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 2, 2025The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has moved to clarify a viral video showing a convoy of SUVs driving on the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
The clip, which circulated widely online, raised questions about security procedures at the country’s busiest airport.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, KAA said the incident took place on October 8, 2025, and involved the official motorcade of a visiting Prime Minister from an African country. The leader arrived at JKIA at 5:07 pm to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi. He was received by a Cabinet Secretary.
KAA stated that the motorcade accessed the tarmac under standard VVIP protocol, which applies only to state and diplomatic dignitaries. The authority said the access followed all established aviation security procedures and met international requirements.
It added that such arrangements are common during major international events and are designed to ensure both operational order and the safety of high-ranking visitors.
“Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) would like to address recent online reactions concerning a video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing the restricted airside area of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tarmac,” the statement reads.
“This access, which occurred on 8 October 2025, was for the official motorcade of the Prime Minister of an African country who arrived at 1707 hours to attend the 24th COMESA Summit in Nairobi. The summit was attended by several Heads of State and other senior leaders from COMESA member states.”
“The dignitary was received by a Cabinet Secretary. KAA confirms that all airside access for this VVIP protocol strictly followed established security procedures and regulations, reserved for state and diplomatic dignitaries. Such protocols are standard at JKIA for international summits and comply fully with aviation security standards, prioritizing both operational integrity and dignitary safety.”
Leaders at State House
On the eve of the summit, President William Ruto hosted several African leaders at State House, Nairobi, for a dinner ahead of the official opening.
The State House dinner brought together several heads of state and senior officials. Those present included President Azali Assoumani of Comoros, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini of Eswatini, and Egypt’s Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly.
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf and COMESA Secretary-General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe also attended. The 24th COMESA Summit took place on 9 October 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi.