Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has broken its silence on a video that showed a convoy of SUVs driving on the restricted airside of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), sparking controversy on the authorisation of such.
In a statement, KAA emphasised that the airside access was granted under established VVIP security protocols reserved for state and diplomatic figures.
"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," KAA wrote.
"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," the agency added.
? PRESS RELEASE: Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) clarifies recent online reactions concerning a video showing a convoy of SUVs accessing restricted areas of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) tarmac. pic.twitter.com/ol8RWDqIuK
— Kenya Airports Authority (@KenyaAirports) December 2, 2025
The agency said the convoy was part of a standard procedure for international summits and complied fully with aviation security standards, with priority given to both operational integrity and dignitary safety.
The online frenzy began after viewers questioned the October 8 incident, asking why private vehicles appeared to be driving on the tarmac and whether airport security rules had been breached.
KAA’s response sought to reassure the public that the access was authorised and supervised, and not a breach of security or routine practice for non-official movements.
However, netizens were not fully convinced by their explanation.
“Your clarification still leaves key questions unanswered. Why did a convoy of more than 10 vehicles need access to the JKIA tarmac? Even for VIP movements, international standards require minimal airside traffic for safety,” posed one X user.
“The alleged prime minister has no name? the CS has no name either? Mnatuona Esther Passaris sana,” said another one.
“A Prime Minister of "an African Country" who seems to have been attending a summit of Heads of State incognito? This "clarification" makes this situation much worse...” added another one.