News

Nairobi, 28
rd July 2022… The Republic of Kenya has attained a milestone in aviation
after a mandatory International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) universal security audit
result scored the State at 91.77%, the highest ever recorded for the region. This is a major
a milestone in the growth and development of Civil Aviation in Kenya, East Africa and the
rest of Africa.
This audit outcome has given Kenya a clean bill with the score ranking the country as the
best in East, Central and Southern Africa region, and second in Africa. Currently, the global
score on the average Effective Implementation (EI) of Critical Elements (CEs) stands at
71.86%, an African average of 61.90% and East and Southern Region at 65.61%. In
Africa, Kenya ranks second after State A that has a score of 96.06% followed by State C
in third position with 90%.
This is a historic feat for Kenya as she has managed to accomplish the target set by ICAO
in the current Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) that desired all of States to attain an
EI of above 90% by 2030.
The ICAO Audit was conducted from 16th May to 27th May 2022 and the scope of Audit
involved security and facilitation, among other issues which are detailed in ICAO Annexes
9 and 17. This is the third audit on the Republic of Kenya under the Universal Security
Audit Programme (USAP). In 2008, the state scored 68% whilst in 2015 Kenya scored
88%. This is an upward trajectory for Kenya and it included an expanded scope of the
audit areas.
The improved score is significant since it gives an overall picture of the compliance status.
It is also a confidence indicator to other States, existing and potential air carriers and
investors on the robust nature of Kenya’s aviation security system.
This improved performance comes just after Kenya attained Category 1 Status making
possible direct nonstop flights into the United States of America in 2018.
The audit, which incorporates elements of both risk based and continuous monitoring
approach that support enhancement of international civil aviation security, was conducted
in critical aviation sector areas and collaborates a number of agencies both government
and private sector.
-EndFor more information, please contact:
Corporate Communication Department | Kenya Civil Aviation Authority
Cell Phone: +254-709725000
Email: pr@kcaa.or.ke
Note to Editor:
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) is the regulatory authority established by the Civil
Aviation Act, 2013 as amended in 2016 with the primary functions of regulation and
oversight of aviation safety & security; economic regulation of air services and
development of Civil Aviation; provision of air navigation services, and training of Aviation
personnel. KCAA undertakes these functions guided by the provisions of the Convention
on International Civil Aviation, related ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices
(SARPs), the Kenya Civil Aviation Act, 2013 and the civil aviation regulations.
The Republic of Kenya is a contracting state to the Convention on International Civil
Aviation. Consequently, she is obligated to comply with Standards and Recommended
Practices (SARPs) contained in the 19 ICAO annexes. Aviation Security is audited under
applicable standards of Annex 9 and 17.
This year’s good score is a result of the support and dedication from the following:
a) The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Transport Infrastructure, Housing, Urban
Development and Public Works, James Macharia, EGH
b) Principle Secretary Transport, Dr. Eng Joseph Njoroge, CBS
c) The KCAA Board led by the Chairman, Eng Joseph Nkandayo
d) KCAA Director General, Mr. Emile Arao
e) The KCAA Ad-hoc Committee on ICAO USAP CMA, led by Eng. Luke Kangogo
f) Former KCAA Director General, Capt. Gilbert Kibe
g) Mr. Nicholas Bodo who acted as the Director General in the run-up to the audit
h) KCAA Senior Management, the Aviation Security Department led by Ms. Beatrice
Muthoga and the National Coordinator, Mr.Mogire Chweya
i) Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Agency (CASSOA) and the Transport
Security Administration(TSA) for their prior assessments before the audit
j) The Aviation Industry, including the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), Government
Security Agencies, Air Operators, Catering Operators, Regulated Agents, Ground
Handling Companies, tenants and other stakeholders that equally played a key role
that led to the realization of the favorable audit results.
NB: STATE A and STATE C – The States are not revealed as a conformity to ICAO security
protocols.