Kenya and the United Kingdom have signed an aviation security agreement allowing eligible baggage arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) from London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports to bypass repeat screening, in a move aimed at improving passenger connections and strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The agreement is expected to reduce delays for connecting passengers while maintaining established aviation security standards. By eliminating the need for repeat screening for qualifying baggage, the arrangement could make transfers through Nairobi more convenient for travellers arriving from the two major London airports.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika said the deal would improve the passenger experience while supporting growth in tourism, trade and investment.
The agreement comes as airports compete to attract connecting passengers and strengthen their roles in international travel. For JKIA, smoother baggage transfers could help improve its appeal to travellers connecting to destinations across Africa and beyond.
Baggage screening is a critical part of aviation security, designed to prevent prohibited or dangerous items from entering aircraft. The new arrangement allows eligible baggage to avoid a second screening process, rather than removing security requirements altogether.
The deal builds on the Kenya–UK Security Compact signed in 2025, which provides a broader framework for cooperation between the two countries. The latest agreement includes collaboration on aviation security and airport operations.
Improved transfer procedures could benefit airlines and passengers by reducing the time and operational challenges associated with connecting flights. More efficient connections can also support airport activity, tourism-related businesses and trade that depends on reliable international transport.
However, the benefits will depend on how the agreement is implemented, including the baggage eligible for the arrangement and the security procedures maintained by the participating airports.
Kenya’s aviation sector will be watching whether the streamlined process improves transfer times and helps JKIA attract more connecting traffic. The agreement represents a step towards closer aviation cooperation between Kenya and the UK while seeking to balance passenger convenience with security.
