Rescue operations are currently underway at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi after what authorities described as an “aircraft incident”.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), through their official social media handles, said emergency teams are on the ground to evacuate those aboard the aircraft.

“An aircraft overflying Nairobi encountered an incident at JKIA this morning. Immediate rescue operations are underway, led by our dedicated emergency response teams. We are working closely with authorities as we prioritize the safety of all involved,” KAA said in a tweet at 12:06 pm.

About an hour earlier, some social media users had raised questions on the situation at JKIA, pointing at a smoke of cloud billowing above the airport.

Editor's note: KAA has since described the incident as an emergency drill. 

It said the exercise was meant to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the airport's emergency response procedures, coordination among various agencies, and the overall readiness of the airport's personnel.