The airports authority plans to set up a single
entry into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to tighten security at
the installation.
This comes after the US Thunderbolt
issued an alert warning of possible terror attacks at government
installations in the country.
The move will see Airport South Road closed indefinitely, forcing all travellers to access the airport via Mombasa Road.
“We
want to ensure that we are able to conduct 80 per cent primary check at
one point for the safety of our passengers,” JKIA Deputy Commandant
Douglas Kirocho said Thursday.
THOROUGH CHECKS
He said police would continue enforcing thorough security checks announced by the airline on Wednesday.
The
new security measures include checking luggage, frisking occupants of
vehicles and asking them to state the nature of their business at the
airport.
Yesterday, motorists had to endure traffic jam that stretched for more than three kilometres from the airport to Mombasa Road.
“We
are experiencing delays and for a moment we were worried we would not
make it in time. I travel almost every week and I used to come within an
hour or so of my flight but with this check I will have to adjust,” Mr
Anthony Karanja said.
Mr Kirocho said most motorists had complied with the new security directive.
“Kenyans
understand the need for such measures and they do not feel they are
wasting time. We urge the public to continue cooperating and take charge
of the security issues by informing authorities of any (unusual)
behaviour,” he said.
Mr Raja Gypala, who was travelling to India, said the new security measures made him feel safer despite the traffic snarl-up.
He urged the government to explore other technologies that can expedite the security checks.
“Although
it might delay departures, security is essential and this actually
makes me feel more secure. However, more organisation is needed to speed
up the process,” he added.
The police were required to inspect all the vehicles heading to the airport.
“We
are aware that the officers might be overworked but we have to work
with the officers we have to secure the national installation,” Mr
Kiricho said.
No comments :
Post a Comment