The Republic of Kenya has attained a milestone in aviation after a mandatory International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) universal security audit result scored the State at 91.77%, the highest ever recorded for the region. This is a major milestone in the growth and development of Civil Aviation in Kenya, East Africa and the rest of Africa.

This audit outcome has given Kenya a clean bill with the score ranking the country as the
best in East, Central and Southern Africa region, and second in Africa. Currently, the global
score on the average Effective Implementation (EI) of Critical Elements (CEs) stands at
71.86%, an African average of 61.90% and East and Southern Region at 65.61%. In Africa, Kenya ranks second after State A that has a score of 96.06% followed by State C in third position with 90%.

This is a historic feat for Kenya as she has managed to accomplish the target set by ICAO
in the current Global Aviation Security Plan (GASeP) that desired all of States to attain an
EI of above 90% by 2030.

The ICAO Audit was conducted from 16th May to 27th May 2022 and the scope of Audit
involved security and facilitation, among other issues which are detailed in ICAO Annexes
9 and 17. This is the third audit on the Republic of Kenya under the Universal Security
Audit Programme (USAP). In 2008, the state scored 68% whilst in 2015 Kenya scored
88%. This is an upward trajectory for Kenya and it included an expanded scope of the
audit areas.

The improved score is significant since it gives an overall picture of the compliance status.
It is also a confidence indicator to other States, existing and potential air carriers and
investors on the robust nature of Kenya’s aviation security system.

This improved performance comes just after Kenya attained Category 1 Status making
possible direct nonstop flights into the United States of America in 2018.

The audit, which incorporates elements of both risk based and continuous monitoring
approach that support enhancement of international civil aviation security, was conducted
in critical aviation sector areas and collaborates a number of agencies both government
and private sector.