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Kenya Airways warns of flight delays amid anti-finance bill protests

Kenya Airways planes are seen parked at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport near Nairobi, Kenya March 6, 2019. (Reuters)

By Lucy Mumbi | Tuesday, June 25, 2024

The Airline noted that the closures have impacted both their employees and customers.

Kenya Airways has informed its customers to expect delays in departures from Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport due to road closures caused by ongoing anti-Finance Bill protests.

Travelers have been urged to plan for additional travel time, and arrive at least four hours before scheduled flight departures.

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The Airline noted that the closures have impacted both their employees and customers.

“We understand that these changes may cause some inconvenience and sincerely apologise. However, please rest assured that your safety and well-being and that of our staff remain our topmost priority,” the Airline said.

Customers have been urged to check in online via www.kenya-airways.com or the KQ Mobile app from 48 hours to 90 minutes before flight departure.

It added that physical check-in at the airport is also available as early as two hours before departure.

Additionally, affected customers can also get in touch via +254 711 024 747, WhatsApp: +254 705 474 747 or Email: Customer.relations@kenya-airways.com or Twitter @KQSupport for further assistance.

The road closures began around 8 am as anti-finance bill protesters filled the city. Anti-riot police had barricaded roads such as Parliament Road and City Hall Way to prevent access to Parliament Buildings.

However, protesters breached the security and entered Parliament, where they took over the cafeteria and vandalised furniture.

At least ten protesters had been reportedly injured by gunfire. Bodies of protesters who had been shot were seen being collected from the scene.'

People attend a demonstration against Kenya's proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25. (Reuters)

In the aftermath, a section of the Parliament building was set ablaze, adding to the turmoil. Video footage from the scene depicted parts of the Senate engulfed in flames and teargas permeating the parliamentary grounds.

On Monday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki warned that while demonstrations are permitted, they must adhere to the rule of law.

He warned protesters against interfering with road, rail, sea or air transport in any manner whatsoever.

“The government of Kenya will respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the inalienable constitutional right of every person peaceably and unarmed to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to authorities,” Kindiki said.

He also noted that they will not allow any attempts to march to the State House or forcibly access Parliament buildings and other government areas.

“They must not obstruct, block, vandalise or otherwise destroy any private or public property. Must adhere to the laws of Kenya including the Protected Areas Act that limits access to certain critical infrastructure for national security reasons. Must not access critical infrastructure for the supply of power or other amenities,” he said.