Kenya Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Kenya is a relatively easy country for smokers who fly, mainly because of Nairobi’s main hub. Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act 2007 explicitly permits designated smoking areas at airports, and Jomo Kenyatta International runs an official airside smoking lounge — a real convenience for the long layovers common on Kenya Airways’ network. The one thing to know: a 2025 import ban makes bringing a vape risky.

For international travel through Kenya, Nairobi (NBO) is the airport that matters, as the biggest hub in East Africa.

How Kenyan Airport Smoking Works

Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act 2007 (Section 33) permits designated smoking areas at airports and transport terminals, subject to compliance standards:

  • Nairobi provides an official airside smoking lounge (the Burgundy Lounge) plus outdoor designated areas
  • Smoking elsewhere in the terminal is prohibited and can be fined
  • Vaping is largely unregulated for use, BUT Kenya banned the import of all tobacco and nicotine products (including vapes) from 30 July 2025 — customs may confiscate devices on arrival

The Hub

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Kenya’s main gateway and Kenya Airways’ hub, the biggest in East Africa. The Burgundy Lounge, near Gate 14 by Java House, is the airport’s official designated smoking lounge — airside, after security, so transit passengers are covered. Travellers also report smoking spots near Gates 5 and 22. Outdoor designated areas are available landside.

Tips for Smokers at Kenyan Airports

  • Nairobi has an airside smoking lounge (Burgundy, Gate 14) — you don’t need to clear immigration to smoke on a layover
  • Most airline lounges are non-smoking — use the dedicated smoking lounge instead
  • Do not bring a vape to Kenya — the July 2025 import ban means customs may seize devices and e-liquid
  • Smoking outside designated areas can draw a fine

Kenya Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)YesYesYes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Kenyan airports?

Yes — Kenya’s Tobacco Control Act 2007 specifically permits designated smoking areas at airports. Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO) in Nairobi has an official airside smoking lounge (the Burgundy Lounge, near Gate 14) plus outdoor designated areas, so you can smoke during a layover without leaving the secure zone.

Where can I smoke at Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)?

The Burgundy Lounge, near Gate 14 by Java House, is the airport’s official designated smoking lounge — airside, after security. Travellers also report smoking spots near Gates 5 and 22. Outdoor designated areas are available landside outside the terminals.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Kenyan airports?

Vaping is largely unregulated in Kenya for use, but there is a major catch: since 30 July 2025 Kenya has banned the import of all tobacco and nicotine products, including vapes. Customs at Nairobi may confiscate devices and e-liquid on arrival, so do not bring a vape into the country.

Is there smoking after security at Nairobi Airport?

Yes — the Burgundy Lounge smoking area is airside, so transit passengers on long layovers can smoke without clearing immigration. Most airline lounges (Simba, Pride, Turkish) are non-smoking, so step out to the designated smoking lounge.

What is the fine for smoking in the wrong place in Kenya?

Kenya enforces its Tobacco Control Act with fines for smoking outside designated areas. Use the marked smoking lounge or outdoor areas to stay within the rules.