A contingent of security officers from various units has been mobilized to ensure the safety of travellers and normal operations at JKIA.
The deployment is in response to the anticipated protests at the facility.
A group of protesters are planning to occupy the facility.
A spot check has shown a multitude of officers, especially from the General Service Unit (GSU), and anti-riot officers from the administration police service.
Sources within the security apparatus reveal that the deployment followed a day-long meeting Monday between top security bosses and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) at the facility.
At the primary screen yard which is the main entry point to the facility, hundreds of armed security officers kept vigil from as early as 6 am.
The area is normally manned by regular officers from the JKIA police station assisted by GSU officers from the nearby Embakasi Training School.
Services, however, remained uninterrupted inside the facility.
Those entering underwent thorough security checks.
As a security measure, some of the companies at the airport asked their workers to remain at home.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reminded the protesters Monday that bridging security and venturing into protected areas is an offence punishable by law.
“In light of the demonstrations planned for July 23, 2024, it is critical to firmly remind the public of the legal boundaries that govern access to protected areas,” Kanja said in a statement Tuesday evening.
He explained that the Protected Areas Act Cap 204 Laws of Kenya prevents the entry of unauthorised persons into areas which have been declared to be protected areas.
“Protected Areas Order as clarified under its Legal Notice No. 9 of 2011, Second Schedule, include LPG Plant, the Bitumen Plant and Petroleum depots situated at the Embakasi Aviation Depot (JKIA),” he said.
Kanja further enumerated that Section 58 of the Kenya Civil Aviation Act No. 21 of 2013 on trespass provides that any person who trespasses on any land forming part of a government airfield or a licensed airfield commits an offence punishable by law.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas. The National Police Service is resolute in its commitment to uphold and enforce these laws,” Kanja warned.
