Passengers travelling through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will soon experience faster and more automated services as plans are underway to introduce self-service check-in kiosks and automated bag-drop systems.
The move is part of an efficiency drive by the Kenya Airports Authority aimed at improving passenger flow and reducing congestion at the country’s busiest airport.
Once rolled out, travellers will be able to check themselves in using digital kiosks, print their boarding passes, and proceed to automated bag-drop counters without needing assistance from airline staff. The technology is expected to shorten queues, cut waiting times, and make the airport experience smoother, especially during peak travel hours.
Airport officials say the initiative is part of a broader modernization effort designed to align JKIA with international aviation standards as passenger numbers continue to grow.
The self-service system will also help airlines operate more efficiently by reducing pressure on traditional check-in counters while allowing staff to focus on handling special travel needs and customer support.
JKIA has faced criticism in recent years over long queues and operational delays, particularly during busy travel seasons. Authorities believe the introduction of automation will help ease these challenges while improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
The development comes as Kenya continues to position JKIA as a major regional aviation hub serving East and Central Africa.
If successfully implemented, the system could significantly transform how passengers move through the airport, bringing Nairobi’s main gateway closer to the fully automated systems already in use at many leading international airports.
What do you think — will self-service check-in improve efficiency at JKIA or create new challenges for travellers unfamiliar with the technology?
The move is part of an efficiency drive by the Kenya Airports Authority aimed at improving passenger flow and reducing congestion at the country’s busiest airport.
Once rolled out, travellers will be able to check themselves in using digital kiosks, print their boarding passes, and proceed to automated bag-drop counters without needing assistance from airline staff. The technology is expected to shorten queues, cut waiting times, and make the airport experience smoother, especially during peak travel hours.
Airport officials say the initiative is part of a broader modernization effort designed to align JKIA with international aviation standards as passenger numbers continue to grow.
The self-service system will also help airlines operate more efficiently by reducing pressure on traditional check-in counters while allowing staff to focus on handling special travel needs and customer support.
JKIA has faced criticism in recent years over long queues and operational delays, particularly during busy travel seasons. Authorities believe the introduction of automation will help ease these challenges while improving the overall travel experience for passengers.
The development comes as Kenya continues to position JKIA as a major regional aviation hub serving East and Central Africa.
If successfully implemented, the system could significantly transform how passengers move through the airport, bringing Nairobi’s main gateway closer to the fully automated systems already in use at many leading international airports.
What do you think — will self-service check-in improve efficiency at JKIA or create new challenges for travellers unfamiliar with the technology?