The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed social media reports alleging security lapses at Kisumu International Airport (KIA) on February 21, 2026, affirming that no unauthorized individuals or unlawful groups were present on the airport premises.
In a press statement released on February 23, 2026, KAA emphasized that airport access control measures remained fully operational and strictly enforced in accordance with national civil aviation security regulations.
“The Airport Security Committee and the Border Management Committee (BMC), working jointly with state security agencies, maintained full situational awareness and operational control throughout the period,” KAA stated, assuring the public that airport operations remained normal, secure, and uninterrupted.
The authority added that there was no compromise to passenger safety, aircraft operations, or airport infrastructure during the reported period.
The statement comes after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna raised concerns on passenger safety following his Linda Mwananchi team’s travel from Kisumu to Nairobi on Saturday.
In an X post on 22 February 2026, Sifuna called on authorities to clarify whether Kisumu International Airport can guarantee passenger safety, alleging that the airport allowed goons to block their team.
“We need to hear from the Kenya Airports Authority whether Kisumu is still an International Airport and whether they can still guarantee the safety of all passengers transiting through there. How they allowed goons to barricade the airport needs to be explained,” he wrote.
He also criticized the Ministry of Interior and the airlines for sharing travel itineraries, which he said put passengers at risk, noting that timely intelligence enabled his team to change their travel plans and avoid potential harm.
KAA further clarified that images circulating online were taken outside the airport perimeter and therefore fell beyond the Authority’s security jurisdiction.
“At no time were unauthorized individuals, groups, or organized unlawful elements present within the airport premises,” the statement read.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the highest standards of aviation security, safety, and operational integrity, in line with national regulations and international aviation standards.
KAA urged the public to rely on official communications and warned against spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary concern.
