Jomo Kenyatta Airport: Is There Reliable Wifi?

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, is the country's largest aviation facility and the busiest airport in East Africa. In 2018, the airport introduced free 24-hour WiFi, putting it in the same league as other major airports on the continent. This move was met with a mixed response from Kenyans, with some praising the introduction of free internet and others expressing criticism. In this article, we will explore the topic of WiFi availability at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and provide information on how passengers can access the internet during their time at the airport.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has free 24-hour WiFi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi offers free 24-hour WiFi. To connect, locate the "NBO Free WiFi" network on your device and follow the registration instructions. Previously, the airport only granted one hour of free access, after which passengers had to pay for the service. With the introduction of free WiFi, JKIA joins other major airports on the continent, such as O. R. Tambo International Airport in South Africa and Kigali International Airport in Rwanda.

While some Kenyans have criticised the airport for this change, it is undoubtedly convenient for travellers, especially those with long layovers. In addition to free WiFi, JKIA also provides mobile charging points, lounges, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels.

It is worth noting that older reviews of the airport mention instances of staff seeking bribes or inflating prices. However, more recent reviews have not reported these issues, suggesting that the situation may be improving.

As with any airport, it is important to take precautions to ensure the safety of yourself and your belongings. Overall, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is considered a safe place to be in Nairobi, and guidance can be sought from duty-free shop assistants if needed.

Connect to the NBO Free WiFi network

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) offers free, unlimited WiFi. To connect to the NBO Free WiFi network, follow these steps:

• Enable WiFi on your device and search for the SSID "NBO Free WiFi" or "Airport Free Wi-Fi". The SSID may change, so if you cannot locate it, ask airport staff for the current SSID or check for updates.
• Select the network and open your web browser.
• You will be redirected to a registration page. Fill in your details and submit the registration form.
• After registering, you will be able to use the WiFi.

Please note that while the airport offers free WiFi, some lounges provide exclusive, stable, and faster WiFi connections. These lounges may charge a fee for access to their amenities, which can include comfortable seating, refreshments, and shower facilities.

When using public WiFi networks, it is essential to prioritize the security and privacy of your online activities. Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data. Additionally, be cautious of unsafe networks and always verify the official SSID with airport staff or signage.

Email registration is required

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi offers free and unlimited WiFi. To connect to the airport's WiFi, you must first register with your email address. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to connect to the WiFi:

Connect to the WiFi Network

On your device, locate and select the "NBO Free WiFi" network.

Register Your Email

• Once connected to the WiFi network, open a web browser.
• You will be automatically redirected to a registration form.
• Fill in your details, including your email address, and submit the form.
• You may need to follow any additional on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Accessing the Internet

• After registering, you will be able to browse the internet freely for a certain period.
• The duration of your WiFi access may vary, but some sources indicate that you can enjoy the WiFi service for a minimum of one hour.

It is important to note that while JKIA offers free WiFi, some older reviews suggest that airport staff may have requested bribes or charged inflated prices for various services. However, more recent reviews have not mentioned this issue, indicating that the situation may have improved.

Paid WiFi was previously available for one hour

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi previously offered paid WiFi for one hour. Users would have to pay to continue using the service after the first hour. However, this changed in May 2018 when the airport introduced free 24-hour WiFi. The Kenya Airports Authority made the announcement on social media, stating:

> Jambo, we've got some good news for you this evening! JKIA is now a 24HR free WiFi zone.

This move was met with a mixed response from Kenyans on social media. Some praised the airport for offering a service that could help pass the time during long layovers. However, others criticised the decision, with one social media user commenting, "Come on guys….lol don't embarrass us to the whole world like that….leave it to the politicians….free WiFi really?"

To access the free WiFi at JKIA, connect to the "NBO Free WiFi" network and register your email address. This service is available in addition to paid WiFi, which can be purchased with a credit card.

Other major African airports also provide free WiFi

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, offers both free and paid WiFi services. The free WiFi at the airport is unlimited, but email registration is required. To access the paid WiFi, you can purchase time or data using a credit card.

• Cape Town International Airport, Cape Town, South Africa
• O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa
• King Shaka International Airport, Durban, South Africa
• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius
• Kotoka International Airport, Accra, Ghana

These airports understand the importance of connectivity for travellers and have invested in digital infrastructure to meet their passengers' demands. Free WiFi can be a convenient way for travellers to stay connected with their loved ones, work remotely, or simply pass the time during layovers or flight delays.

However, it is important to note that free WiFi networks may have limitations in speed and stability compared to premium paid options. Additionally, when connecting to public WiFi networks, users should always be mindful of security risks and take measures to protect their data, such as using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and only visiting secure websites with HTTPS addresses.

Frequently asked questions