There was panic at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after a heavy explosion was heard in one of the terminals, followed by a heavy cordon of police officers.
The incident which took place at around noon was occasioned by a security drill meant to prepare airport staff and other stakeholders for an emergency response.
Kenya Airports Authority explained that they are required to carry out such drills every three years to ensure high level of preparedness of relevant stakeholders.
“Jambo, we would like to confirm that this morning we conducted a full-scale security drill at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.”
“All airports under ICAO regulations are obligated to do such drills once every 3 years to put to task their level of preparedness & security standards. It took approx. 2 months to prepare for the exercise & involved the participation of all airport agencies & stakeholders,” KAA said in a tweet.
Sirens all over JKIA, Fire engines and ambulances,,, What’s happening??
— Solomon Mwaniki (@Solmwa) November 15, 2018
Does anyone know what’s happening on Terminal 2 JKIA? https://t.co/JQIWXW6enu
— Syombua A. Kibue (@Syombuak) November 15, 2018
uPDATES WHTS HAPENNING AT @JKIA? #JKIA
— Elle,?? (@murigi_elle) November 15, 2018
JKIA whats happening ama ni general @MigunaMiguna amerudi?
— Obiero Justus (@OJ_07_) November 15, 2018
What’s happening at JKIA??
— Rick (@derrick_dre) November 15, 2018
Onlookers had taken to social media wondering what had taken place at Kenya’s largest airport.
JKIA has recently received major infrastructure and security upgrades in preparation for the US-Kenya direct flights which started in late October.