The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is preparing to introduce self-service passenger processing booths and automated luggage drop points as part of efforts to improve efficiency and ease congestion at the country’s main aviation hub.
The Kenya Airports Authority is currently procuring a new Common User Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) alongside Common User Self-Service (CUSS) infrastructure aimed at streamlining passenger movement and operations across the airport.
Both CUPPS and CUSS are technology platforms standardised by the International Air Transport Association that allow airlines to share key facilities such as check-in counters, bag-drop stations and boarding gates. The system is designed to reduce operational costs while optimising the use of airport space. Through CUSS kiosks, passengers will be able to check in, print boarding passes and baggage tags, and choose seats without airline staff assistance.
According to the authority, each workstation will be equipped with common-use peripherals depending on its location, including passport readers, boarding-pass printers and baggage-tag printers at check-in and transfer desks, as well as boarding-pass readers and document printers at boarding gates. The systems will be implemented at JKIA under a build-operate-and-transfer model.
The new setup will feature 213 workstations to support both airline and airport operations. In addition, 72 self-service kiosks will enable travellers to check in and print boarding passes independently.
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Plans also include the installation of 20 self-boarding kiosks and 20 automated bag-drop units, allowing passengers to complete check-in and baggage drop with minimal staff interaction.
To enhance security and speed up passenger verification, the airport will also introduce 10 biometric gates at terminal entry points.
The infrastructure will be deployed across several areas of the airport, including Terminal 1A, Terminal 1B, Terminal 1C, Terminal 1D, Terminal 2, Arrivals 1E, airport lounges, back-office sections and additional boarding gates.
