Cabinet Allows Kenya To Host 800 Delegates At IATA Conference

Kenya will host the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi, the Cabinet has confirmed.

A dispatch sent to newsrooms on Tuesday, February 11 endorsed Kenya's capacity to host the conference, which is slated for May 13-15, 2025.

''Cabinet also endorsed Kenya’s hosting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscoring the country’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and economic diplomacy,'' the dispatch stated.

Per the description, the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) is the premier annual ground handling conference in the world. It brings together industry leaders from airlines, airports, ground service providers, and manufacturers, to discuss and implement industry standards, policies, and procedures.

Poster of the upcoming International Air Transport Association (IATA) Ground Handling Conference (IGHC). /IATA

The IGHC is expected to be attended by over 800 delegates, including key airline decision-makers. Those attending can also expect unique business,​ networking, and branding opportunities, exclusive access to industry intelligence and the latest industry developments and one-to-one meetings in the BizZone.

Attendees will meet stakeholders consisting of 30 percent airlines, 60 percent ground service providers and airports, 10 percent manufacturers and solution providers as well as 50 percent top management and 50 percent middle management.

In other news, President William Ruto’s cabinet in its second sitting of the year held on Tuesday noon, also approved changes at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), weeks after they were announced by Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, in what is expected to significantly transform the country's main airport.

The major upgrades, aimed at streamlining operations and bolstering security, include exempting all citizens from across Africa from Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) requirements and raising the duty-free threshold for passengers from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000 in a bid to streamline passenger goods screening.

Furthermore, security screening at JKIA will be enhanced through risk-based profiling, ensuring only flagged bags undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room, reducing delays and improving efficiency.

To further expedite travel, the number of immigration booths and staff will be doubled, while E-Gates will be introduced to eliminate long queues and speed up clearance.

"Accountability measures will also be strengthened with new monitoring technology deployed to oversee airport staff, and mandatory uniforms with visible name tags required for all agency employees and retail concessionaires," added the dispatch.

JKIA infrastructure will also undergo major upgrades, including modernised baggage handling systems, improved stormwater drainage and access roads, installation of covered walkways, enhanced air conditioning, and clearer signage.

Meet-and-greet services will be strictly regulated, ensuring only licensed facilitators operate within the airport to enhance security and order.

"These measures take immediate effect, reinforcing JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub by improving efficiency, security, and overall passenger experience," the dispatch continued.