Securing JKIA good move

Kenya’s Transport Principal Secretary Irungu Nyakera is upbeat that Kenya will soon see the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upgraded to class one status. It is easy to understand why this should generate excitement since the elevation can only come with advantages beneficial to the country.

Early this year, the United States Federation Aviation Administration warned Airlines to exercise caution while flying into Kenyan Airports on account of terrorist threats.

Needless to say, even though our airports' security has never been compromised, this resulted in flights redirection or cancellations and with them, a sizeable chunk from our trade and tourist earnings.

Officials from the Transport Security Agency spent time at the airport and were convinced security is good. But while we await positive response from the Federal Aviation Authority on the classification, the government cannot afford to sit back on its laurels.

A lot more needs to be done to ensure efficiency at the airport meets acceptable international standards. Instances where it takes too long to clear arrivals and luggage sometimes isn’t cleared fast enough have earned us negative marks.

The Kenya Airports Authority must equally ensure there is enough space to cater for increased volumes of goods, people and flights.