Closing JKIA: Kenya's Security Protocols Ahead Of Jill Biden's Visit
The closure will be for purpose of helping security forces ease the movement of the US First Lady.
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Ahead of the visit by US First Lady Jill Biden to Kenya, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced that regular activities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi will be disrupted.
KCAA ordered JKIA to close Terminal 2 on Friday, February 24 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sunday, February 26, between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
The closure will be for purpose of helping security forces ease the movement of the US First Lady.
Ms Biden announced on Tuesday, February 21 that she will be making her first visit to Africa as the First Lady.
Outside JKIA terminal 2. /CAPITAL GROUP
The First Lady's trip will begin in Namibia, where she will meet with vibrant and engaged youth that drive a young and strong democracy. From there, she will head to Kenya to hear from those affected by the ongoing historic drought and food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by the ripple effects of Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
While in Kenya, Jill Biden will be expected to meet with her Kenyan counterpart Rachel Ruto among other senior government officials.
"Dr Biden’s engagements will focus on the empowerment of women and youth, efforts to address food insecurity, and promoting our shared democratic values,” a statement from the US Embassy read in part.
Her visit is expected to bring attention to the plight of those affected and encourage international support for efforts to address the crisis.
The US has been a longstanding partner to many African countries, and Biden's visit is expected to further strengthen the relationship between the US and Namibia and Kenya.
Kenya has experience receiving high-profile US government officials including presidents and first ladies. As has always been the case, the host governments work with the US government on modalities of security to ensure the safety of the VIPs.
The First Lady's security detail, which included members of the Secret Service works closely with Kenyan security agencies to put in place a comprehensive security plan for the visit. The plan includes measures to secure the venues and routes that the First Lady would be visiting, as well as the surrounding areas.
The police and other security agencies are expected to heighten their presence in the areas where the First Lady is scheduled to visit. In addition to these measures, the Kenyan government also activates its intelligence-gathering capabilities to monitor any potential threats to the First Lady's safety.
Other US dignitaries who recently visited the country include the US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen who toured the country in January 2023.
