JKIA, 3 Kenyan Airports Earn Certification From Council Of World Airports

Four international airports in Kenya, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi have received Level 3 Certification in Airport Council International’s (ACI) Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Programme.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced this on Wednesday, November 27. The certification covers JKIA and Moi International Airport (MIA), Eldoret International Airport (EIA), and Kisumu International Airport (KIA).

This significant milestone places these airports among an elite group in East and Central Africa.

Achievements made by Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as announced on November 27, 2024. /AIRPORTS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL

“The ACA Level 3 certification, which focuses on Optimization and Airport Stakeholder Engagement, reflects KAA’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and its strategic goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030, with a long-term aim of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050,” stated KAA in part.

“Since acquiring ACA Level I (Mapping) in 2021 and ACA Level 2 (Reduction) in 2023, KAA has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at fulfilling the requirements for Level 3 certification.”

KAA revealed that at JKIA, a range of effective green initiatives has been introduced to underscore its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. These initiatives include the development of energy-efficient infrastructure, the adoption of renewable energy sources, and robust waste reduction programs.

Similarly, MIA has embraced carbon reduction measures such as utilizing solar energy and LED lighting while ensuring regular maintenance of its equipment.

KIA has demonstrated its dedication through the installation of solar streetlights and the construction of a green terminal building whereas EIA has enhanced its sustainability efforts by replacing Mercury Vapor street lighting with LED fittings and installing solar bollard lights in the concourse area.

While commenting on the certification, KAA Acting Managing Director and CEO, Henry Ogoye noted “We are thrilled to achieve this important milestone, which underscores our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability within the aviation sector. 

“This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and stakeholders who have collaborated to implement sustainable practices across our airports,” he remarked.

 The Airport Carbon Accreditation is the only institutionally endorsed global carbon management certification program for airports.

It independently assesses and recognizes the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions through seven levels of certification: Mapping, Reduction, Optimization, Neutrality, Transformation, Transition, and Level 5.

KAA affirmed that it remains focused on pursuing further levels of accreditation as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability. In September 2023, the four Kenyan airports earned the Level 2 ‘Reduction’ certification.