Convoy Belonged to a PM: KAA Addresses Viral Video of Convoy at JKIA Airside, Says Incident Occurred in October

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has clarified a recent video circulating online showing a convoy of high-end vehicles driving on the airside section of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

In a statement on Tuesday December 2, the authority clarified that the incident occurred on October 8, 2025 and that the motorcade belonged to the prime minister of an African country, who was in town to attend the 24th COMESA summit in Nairobi.

The Authority stated that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had received the dignitary, who was one of the heads of state attending the summit.

"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  stated.

"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," it added.

The authority further assured that the convoy strictly adhered to the established security procedures and regulations, which are 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," the authority noted.

The video, which went viral on social media, showed a convoy of about five high-end SUV vehicles driving on the JKIA tarmac to collect the unidentified VIP.

Some social media usersdescribed the scene as a breach of airport securitysince such privileges can only be accessed by Heads of State.

Access to the airside section of JKIA is restricted to authorized personnel, including airline staff, airport employees, and aircraft crew, as well as passengers holding a valid boarding pass for a flight.

Individuals with access to certain VIP or lounge services can access airside areas through those specific channels.

This comes months after the authority dismissed social media claims that taxi operators and travel agents were operating in restricted areas at the airport.

KAA, whichbranded the claims as misleading, explained that strict security and access control measures are enforced at all airports in the country in line with international aviation safety standards.

“KAA wishes to address recent social media reports and public concerns regarding claims that travel agents and taxi drivers are operating beyond authorized areas, including meeting passengers just outside aircraft before passport control at JKIA," the authority said in a statement on Tuesday, June 24.

"We categorically state that these reports are untrue and do not reflect the operational protocols in place at JKIA or any other airport under our management,” it added.