Questions Raised Over Sh700 Million Spent on JKIA E-Gates Modernisation

Lawmakers on the National Assembly Committee on National Administration and Internal Security pressed the Immigration Department for details on spending for the ongoing modernisation at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The project centres on e-gates equipped with facial recognition and biometric technology. Officials described it as a way to speed up passenger processing while tightening security at East Africa's busiest airport.

Principal Secretary Dr Belio Kipsang told the committee the e-gates have arrived at JKIA with installation underway. The system forms part of a broader Advanced Passenger Information setup. It aims to cut long queues for immigration stamps and improve profiling.

Total cost for the JKIA component stands at Sh2.8 billion. Plans include later expansion to Moi International Airport in Mombasa and other entry points across the country.

Committee chairman Gabriel Tongoyo voiced frustration over the Sh700 million already disbursed since the visual recognition and behavioural detection system launched in 2021. He demanded a clear expenditure breakdown.

"Sh700 million is not pocket change. The committee must see how the project works and what value it brings," Tongoyo said during the budget defence session for the 2026/27 financial year.

Dr Kipsang and Immigration Services Director-General Evelyn Jepleting Cheluget appeared before the committee at County Hall in Nairobi. They noted Kenya handles nearly eight million arrivals and departures annually at its border points.

The technology targets both major airports and porous land borders where security risks remain high. Officials urged support for full rollout to strengthen national safety and passenger experience.

Installation at JKIA represents one element in wider efforts to modernise Kenya's aviation infrastructure. The airport has faced capacity pressures in recent years as passenger numbers recovered and grew after global disruptions.

E-gates use automated processing to scan documents and faces without manual intervention in most cases. Supporters argue this reduces human error and waiting times while flagging potential threats through behavioural analysis.

The committee also discussed public awareness needs for related initiatives such as the Maisha Number identification programme. Lawmakers called for more radio campaigns and community outreach to avoid confusion.

Nakuru Woman Representative Liza Chelule highlighted ongoing gaps in understanding among ordinary Kenyans. The group pledged to back increased funding for immigration services ahead of the next general election.

Questions over the Sh700 million come against a backdrop of larger JKIA redevelopment plans. Separate tenders and master plans target terminal expansions, runway upgrades and overall capacity increases to handle future demand.

Airport modernisation projects often combine physical construction with advanced technology layers like biometrics. Successful delivery hinges on transparent procurement and measurable performance improvements.

Dr Kipsang defended the investment as essential for both convenience and control at entry points. The department continues to roll out the system while addressing lawmakers' calls for accountability on funds spent to date.