REVIEW: For Ksh5,000, Taste Luxury In Kenya Airways' Premium Lounges At JKIA

We listen but we don't judge; I haven't flown in seven years (domestically owing to more use of SGR to Mombasa) and haven't flown out of the country since 2008! This story isn't about flying.

December started very quickly. 24 hours before my early morning visit to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on December 4, President William Ruto went on a tirade at Kenyans criticising the government on plans to modernise the airport through public-private partnerships, days after Kenyans rousingly celebrated the collapse of the Adani-JKIA takeover deal. 

In his words, "Recently, I saw other people glorify those who stopped the airport construction as heroes, what heroes? The airport is in a tent. Other countries are building their airports yet ours is not built."

That was the first thing I noticed when I got here...truth be told, the nicknamed 'Kasongo' man was vindicated in the domestic departures and international arrivals section...compared to the rest of the airport. Sentiments I shared with a female content creator and others; influencers and digital journalists who joined us for...wait for it...a tour inside JKIA's Terminal 1A!

The airport has undergone several episodes of transformation since the chaotic fire incident in 2013 that gutted most of what was the former international arrivals building right in the middle of the ring-shaped airport, so I would like to state that I've not been here!

At the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi on December 4, 2024. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

A Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) official was present to give us the tour, along with Kenya Airways (KQ) corporate communications staff who were Gen Z...including one I must admit I was attracted to. A baddie with an exotic name, who if she is reading this is still yet to text me on WhatsApp (grin) after I gave her my number because she impressed me with helpful tips including the constant delays I've seen KQ customers I know of complain about.

The Tour

She was one of the key highlights of the tour, but what I was not ready for was the crazy security checks that courted me at the entrance of the terminal. This is where you need to dress light because you'll be asked to remove your shoes, belt and jacket before getting through check number one!

Arrive early...and I mean waaay early before your flight and this shouldn't be a problem...unless you like the long queues that characterise a majority of nighttime international departures.

A point to note, there is a no photography policy within the terminal, or in my thinking, at some points in the terminal, and for a variety of reasons which I'll explain in another piece. Anyway, on to the check-in desks where if you had checked in online (which I recommend that you should), all you have to do is check in your bags, being mindful that you can only be allowed a certain amount of luggage lest you attract some fees.

Right next to those desks are the immigration desks, where you can easily get caught. For instance, any fake document you present online while checking in will be detected here, and that can land you in a cold, hard, and smelly cell at the nearest police station. There have been media reports of foreigners busted at Immigration travelling to other countries via Kenya with fake visas.

That desk is what lies between you and feeling the urge to take a photo of the 'Kwaheri Kenya' sign...which is arguably the most photographed and Instagrammed spot in the WHOLE COUNTRY. Evidence? I took one below:

The 'Kwaheri Kenya' sign at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

A trip up the escalator brings you to security check number 2, which is probably easier since what you would be carrying is your carry-on luggage to your flight. By the way, Kenya Airways tags those so that in case you lose your luggage, the details on that tag can help track your bags.

Shoes off, belts off, jackets off and through the checks you go...but there is one that caught my eye; a body scanner. Found in global airports, this is used to detect weapons, explosives and other prohibited items hidden under clothing. They're designed to detect all items, including medical devices, prostheses and other non-metallic items, using millimeter-wave technology to scan a person's form.

The rest of the tour was seamless; visits to duty-free stores, a peek (and small purchases) at the government lounges, staring at the views overlooking the airside where average passenger activity was taking place and we found ourselves what brought us to JKIA in the first place: Kenya Airways' Premium Lounges.

When you're done being pissed off by long check-ins, immigration queues and staff that can rile you up, on top of the vigorous screening checks, and you have plenty of time to spare before your flight, check these places out. According to KQ, its lounges guarantee an upscale travel experience, transforming exhaustive departure processes into memorable experiences of indulgence in “our serene world-class establishments.” 

Let’s look at each of them, starting with the Pride Lounge:

Pride Lounge

Located at the JKIA Terminal 1A, this lounge has an interior design that draws inspiration from Kenya’s stunning landscapes, with a picturesque mural of the Kakamega rain forest in Western Kenya welcoming guests at the entrance.

The spacious lounge, accommodating up to 250 guests, offers a serene retreat with comfortable seating areas, a tranquil quiet zone for relaxation, a napping area and other essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi and refreshing shower rooms. Yes, they have showers here…like your favourite hotels.

A sign welcoming visitors to the Kenya Airways Pride Lounge. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

A unique highlight is the iconic “Mvule” bench within the exclusive smoking room, making it the sole smoking lounge in Terminal 1A. As our lovely lady guide had disclosed, some passengers go to this lounge just for the smoking area.

The Pride Lounge provides an expansive, circular layout overlooking the airside where guests get to view taxing, landing and pushback activities on some of the wide variety of aircraft and airlines from Airbus to KQ’s flagship Dreamliner aircraft, an orgasmic place if you’re an avid aviation enthusiast.

As one walks through the Business Experience Center, you encounter the lushness of the rain forest with green tones of the leaves and grey tones of the earth. The experience centre is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional to cater for the business traveller with counters fitted with the latest tablets and an alcove seating fitted with universal sockets, fully complimented with high-speed Wi-Fi.

You then proceed through to the formal lounge with a transition from the rain forest to the coastal landscape with the introduction of purple and blue tones. This is exemplified in the fabrics on the Giada Lounger Seat, a designer seat, from Italy’s La Palma. 

The dining area is where things get interesting. There is a more formal seating arrangement and some playful banquette seating with a Coastal theme enhanced by the sand, which is brought out in the textured walls, the tabletops, and the choice of floor tiles. The most amazing feature of this area is the honeycomb ceiling which introduces a touch of contemporary styled geometric shapes. The coastal theme is further enhanced by the blue and azure colours on the fabrics, the baskets on the walls reminiscent of the coast and the coral finish on the walls.

The food was, in my view, common but commendable, though can’t be blamed because I live in Kanairo. But there is a live cooking station here, which allows guests to customize their meals and witness the culinary artistry firsthand. This new dining concept is designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

Live cooking was introduced on October 1, 2023, and the culinary dishes range from eggs prepared with specific guests’ preference style to stir-fried pasta accompanied with ingredients that are locally sourced thus, promoting Kenya Airways’ sustainability airline challenge. This spectacle promotes an interactive engagement for our guests with the chef as they watch and participate in the preparation of their fresh dishes.

The lounge then transitions to an informal seating area with the Savannah theme and is designed for the passenger who enjoys some quiet. The napping area introduces one to the desert theme with the dune shapes on the carpet and the earth shades of the sleeper beds. The partitioning is reminiscent of the swaying grass of the Savannah, the textured walls, and the desert sand.

Here, you can take a nap for as long as you please after you have set your alarm so that you don’t miss your flight.

Next up:

Simba Lounge

This slightly smaller lounge located at Terminal 1A is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and comfortable escape from the turmoil of the hub of Africa. The lounge was designed with imported luxurious seats to provide the comfort and upkeep that our guests deserve. The ultra-exclusive lounge provides guests with multiple seating options.

The reception area is a perfectly designed space filled with a welcoming ambience and a great sign that one will have an amazing stay even before being registered. The industrial concrete high backrest seats at the entrance of the lounge are peppered with a subtle orange velvet feel that encompasses the sophisticated facelift of the lounge.

It then extends with a long extensive Giada Lounger Seat with cushioned wall backrests that tend to tantalize and relax one’s senses away from the harsh airport processes.

Reception desk at the Kenya Airways Simba Lounge. /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE

A dazzling and modern enclosed space with a delightful frenetic feast for the eyes strikes one’s attention as you walk through the lounge. This room is fitted with more formal seating arrangements and some playful banquette seats for ease and comfort.

The most prominent feature in this lounge is the “melting pot”, or the “Manyatta” resonant of the Maasai hut. This iconic feature speaks of the African spirit of community and sharing where the indigenous people would meet at the fireside chat and tell stories of yore.

The VVIP room has an austere modernity with some light fusion of an African touch. The space is built to offer secluded privacy. This area can be reserved for guests at an extra fee where personalized services will be provided. Its airside views provide a moment of Zen or perfectly appointed enclosed meeting spaces while on the go.

Point To Note:

From hearty vegetarian meals to specific religious dietary requirements, the lounges offer a wide range of options. A favourite for many travellers is the recently introduced shawarma concept, where guests can savour delectable chicken wraps.

To cater to individual preferences, guests may also request special dishes in advance, ensuring a truly personalized dining experience. In addition to the live cooking, a daily rotating buffet offers a diverse selection of both local and international cuisines. As the lady guide with a sultry voice revealed to us, each day, a new menu is unfolded, featuring five distinct meal options, with vegetarian choices available, ensuring a delightful culinary journey for every palate.

Kenya Airways Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members can indulge in this pre-flight luxury, with complimentary access extended to themselves and a guest.

Economy class travellers on Kenya Airways, SkyTeam, and partner airlines may also savour the lounge’s opulent ambience for a fee, enjoying a serene escape before their flight. Now here’s where things get interesting:

Prices

Between 0-4 hours, you pay USD 40, which is Ksh5,166 in current exchange rates. For a soft-life, baby ghurl experience, that’s worth it!

For 4-6 hours, one pays Ksh9,041 (USD 70) and for 6-8 hours, one pays Ksh12,916 (USD 100). The rates apply to both the Pride and Simba Lounges

The following are the acceptable forms of payment: 

1. Credit cards/ Debit Cards: (VISA/Master cards/AMEX)  
2. Cash: accepted currencies are USD, Kenya Shillings, and Euros
3. Direct Pay Online (DPO)

Terms & Conditions

The following terms and conditions will apply for the guest to be eligible for access. 

Guests travelling on KQ, Sky Team and KQ partner airlines can access the lounge at a fee subject to space availability.  

Conditions of Admittance 

1. Lounge admission shall be granted subject to availability.
2. The lounge reserves the right of Admission.
3. The Day pass will be Valid for 4 Hours to flight departure.
4. The lounge will be operational between 0500-0001hrs (5 am-12.01 am)
5. The Lounge service once sold cannot be refunded.
6. Pay Lounge Day pass is not transferable.
7. Infants will have free access to the lounge (i.e. Aged below 2 years).

Airlines Served (Pride Lounge & Simba Lounge T1A): KQ, KLM, Air France, Saudia Airlines, China Southern, Ethiopian Airlines, British Airways, RwandAir

The experience was a major talking point during my small lunch date with a friend after the tour, also proper communications professional in my view. My line of sight was of course running up and down, oscillating between her and the big China Southern Airlines Dreamliner which, by the time we left, was being attended to by catering as its departure to Changsha, a city in China, was approaching.

WRAPPING UP

As I left JKIA, I expressed hope in my head that someday, I’ll be back. Not for the tour, but for the flight. Domestic, international…I’m overdue for a comeback in terms of flying. 

Ladies, anyone else reading this (the baddie too), you now have an idea of this writer’s wishlist.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was produced by Viral Tea in conjunction with Kenya Airways, seeking to elevate its passenger experience with its enhanced Pride Lounge, offering a taste of Kenyan hospitality and a memorable start to any journey.

Overlooking the airside at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). /MARVIN CHEGE.VIRAL TEA KE