Kenya has achieved a historic milestone in aviation security by becoming the first African nation to join the exclusive U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) One-Stop Security (OSS) Program. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) announced on June 30, 2025, that it had secured partnership with TSA in this innovative security framework, joining only 13 countries globally that have been selected for this prestigious program.
Groundbreaking Achievement in Global Aviation Security
The One-Stop Security Program represents a revolutionary approach to international aviation security, allowing passengers departing from participating countries to undergo security screening only once at their origin airport, eliminating redundant screening processes during connections in the United States. This streamlined system significantly reduces connection times—by over 50 percent in some cases—while maintaining the highest security standards.
Kenya's inclusion in this exclusive group demonstrates the country's exceptional aviation security capabilities and positions it alongside other leading nations that have met TSA's stringent security requirements. The partnership will enhance security screening processes, improve passenger experience, and strengthen Kenya's role as a regional aviation hub.
Kenya's Exceptional Aviation Security Record
Kenya's selection for the OSS program builds upon an outstanding foundation of aviation security excellence. In 2022, Kenya achieved a remarkable milestone when the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) universal security audit scored the country at 91.77%, the highest ever recorded in the East, Central, and Southern Africa region.
This exceptional score ranks Kenya as second in Africa and significantly surpasses both the global average of 71.86% and the African average of 61.90%. The achievement represents a substantial improvement from Kenya's previous ICAO audit scores of 68% in 2008 and 88% in 2015, demonstrating consistent progress in aviation security implementation.
Kenya's performance is particularly impressive as it has already surpassed ICAO's target of achieving 90% Effective Implementation by 2030, accomplishing this goal eight years ahead of schedule. The 2022 audit covered an expanded scope of 493 protocol questions and included visits to both Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Moi International Airport in Mombasa, with the number of findings dropping to just 15 compared to 32 findings in the previous audit.
Global Context of the One-Stop Security Program
The TSA's One-Stop Security initiative represents a significant evolution in international aviation security cooperation. The program was authorized by Congress in 2021, initially allowing TSA to establish agreements with up to six international airports. The pilot program launched in 2024 with American Airlines flights from London Heathrow Airport to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, demonstrating the concept's viability.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed confidence about the program's expansion, stating he was "100% confident" that TSA would have at least one operational OSS destination in 2025, with potential for additional locations. The program aligns with broader U.S. efforts to modernize travel infrastructure ahead of major events including America 250 in 2026, the FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics.
Strategic Partnership Benefits
The OSS partnership provides multiple strategic advantages for both Kenya and international travelers. For passengers, the program eliminates duplicative security screenings, reduces connection times, and creates a more seamless travel experience. For Kenya, the partnership enhances its position as a premier aviation hub in East Africa and demonstrates international confidence in its security capabilities.
The partnership also aligns with broader regional security cooperation efforts. Kenya's aviation security improvements have been supported through decade-long collaboration with TSA, including significant upgrades to screening facilities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. TSA Regional Director for Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia Jason Schwabel noted that Kenya now operates "one of the most technologically advanced gate screening checkpoints in the world".
KCAA's Leadership in Regional Aviation
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority has established itself as a leader in aviation safety and security across Africa. KCAA serves as the regulatory authority responsible for oversight of aviation safety and security, economic regulation of air services, provision of air navigation services, and training of aviation personnel. The authority operates under the guidance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices, and Kenya's Civil Aviation Act of 2013.
KCAA's commitment to excellence is reflected in its comprehensive approach to aviation security, including the certification of over 4,000 aviation security screeners whose certifications are renewable every two years. The authority also certifies security service providers, instructors, inspectors, and aviation security training schools, ensuring adherence to international standards.
Continental Leadership and Future Prospects
Kenya's achievement as the first African nation to join the TSA One-Stop Security Program reinforces the country's position as a continental leader in aviation excellence. The partnership comes at a time when Africa's aviation sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation, with initiatives like the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) aimed at liberalizing air transport across the continent.
The OSS partnership also demonstrates Kenya's strategic importance in global aviation networks, particularly given its geographic position as a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, and other international destinations. Kenya's designation as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the United States in 2024 further underscores the strategic partnership between the two countries in security and other areas.
Conclusion
Kenya's inclusion in the exclusive TSA One-Stop Security Program represents a culmination of years of dedicated effort to achieve world-class aviation security standards. With its exceptional ICAO audit score of 91.77% and now its partnership with TSA's innovative OSS program, Kenya has firmly established itself as Africa's leader in aviation security.
This achievement not only enhances the travel experience for passengers but also strengthens Kenya's position as a regional aviation hub and demonstrates the country's commitment to maintaining the highest international security standards. As the program expands and evolves, Kenya's participation will serve as a model for other African nations seeking to enhance their aviation security capabilities and join the global community of trusted aviation partners.
- Log in to post comments