This document outlines aviation cargo security policy and measures. It discusses (1) how cargo has become a more attractive target for unlawful interference as passenger security has increased, (2) ICAO requirements that cargo be protected from unauthorized access and only accepted if subjected to security controls, and (3) the types of screening and controls that should be applied to cargo at airports like JKIA, including screening known and unknown cargo, examining cargo, and limiting unauthorized access to cargo areas.

1. CARGO
MEASURES
RELATING TO
CARGO

2. INTRODUCTION
 As the widespread implementation of
aviation security measures regarding
passengers and their baggage has become
more effective so has cargo become a more
attractive option for perpetrators
attempting to carry out an act of unlawful
interference.

3. AVIATION SECURITY POLICY
 This policy stipulates measures that are
required to be met by all cargo handlers at
applicable stages:
a. Measures at airports serving civil aviation to
protect cargo, baggage, mail, stores and
operators supplies being moved within an
airport and intended for carriage on an aircraft
to safeguard such aircraft against an act of
unlawful interference.

4. Cont’d
b. Measures to ensure that cargo, courier
and express parcels or mail intended for
carriage on passenger flights are
subjected to appropriate security controls.

5. Cont’d
c. Measures to ensure that operators do not
accept consignments of cargo, courier
and express parcels or mail for carriage
and express parcels or mail for carriage
on passenger flight unless the security of
such consignment are subjected to
appropriate security controls.

6. CARGO SECURITY AT
KENYA’S AIRPORTS
 The objective of Cargo Security is to
take steps to be reasonably sure that
cargo is not used as a means of
placing explosives or incendiary
devices on board any aircraft.
 ICAO (International Civil Aviation
Organization) Annex 17 requirements
on cargo are as follows: -

7. Standard 4.6.2
 “Each Contracting State shall ensure
that cargo and mail to be carried on a
passenger commercial aircraft are
protected from unauthorized
interference from the point security
controls are applied until departure of
the aircraft”.

8. Standard 4.6.4
 “Each Contracting State shall ensure that
operators do not accept cargo or mail for
carriage on an aircraft engaged in passenger
commercial air transport operations unless
the application of security controls is
confirmed and accounted for by a regulated
agent, or such consignments are subject to
appropriate security controls”.

9. Standard 4.6.5
 “Each Contracting State shall ensure
that catering, stores and supplies
intended for carriage on passenger
commercial flights are subjected to
appropriate security controls and
thereafter protected until loaded onto
the aircraft”.

10. Types of Offenders
Terrorists, both individuals and groups.
Criminal groups or individuals.
Mentally deranged persons.
Persons seeking revenge e.g.
employees

11. Reasons for Cargo being
vulnerable
 The volume of cargo being carried.
 The system of carrying cargo is becoming
increasingly known.
 It is possible to target specific flights
through cargo.
 The variety in terms of size, packaging,
content and volume of cargo makes it
difficult to screen.
 There is low personal risk to terrorists.

12. KNOWN CARGO
 A consignment of air cargo from a known
consignor or a regulated agent to which the
appropriate security controls have been
applied.
 A consignment of unknown cargo, which
has subsequently been, subjected to
appropriate security controls.

13. UNKNOWN CARGO
 Any cargo that cannot be classified as
known or freighter class known cargo.

14. KNOWN CONSIGNOR
 An originator of property for transportation
by air for their own account and who has
established business with a regulated agent
or an airline on the basis of agreed criteria.

15. Airline Responsibility
 Carriers reserve the right to examine
or cause to be examined by its agent,
the packaging and contents of all cargo
to be carried onboard an aircraft.
 Carriers reserve the right, to refuse,
delay or return any cargo if it is
believed that they may contain
explosives or dangerous devices.

16. Regulated Agents
 ICAO accepts the regulated agent concept in
cargo security.
 A regulated agent is an agent, freight
forwarder or any other entity who conducts
business with an operator and provides
security controls that are accepted or
required by the appropriate authority in
respect of cargo, courier and express parcels
or mail.

18.  At JKIA airlines like British Airways insist on
100% screening of cargo. The screening is
done at the Nairobi Cargo Centre by a
contracted company.
 Kenya Airways also conducts screening on
behalf of other airlines like on arrangement
at their facility at the KAHL building.

19.  However, some cargo are ferried direct from
the mechanized area direct to the aircraft
through the freight gate.
 Such cargo are usually escorted by the
agents of individual companies.
 This may be exploited and it is important
that Customs, KAPU and KAA get more
involved in transportation of cargo from
landside to airside and vice versa.

20. Measures to improve security
of Cargo Movement at airport
 Controls of airside access protection of
the aircraft on the ground.
 Physical security of premises (cargo
warehouse, etc.)
 Strict use of permits while on airside.
 Vehicle security.

21.  Trainings e.g. on cargo and mail
security.
 Staff awareness programmes.
 Adequate lightning on the cargo
movement areas.