Catalyzes the irreversible transamination of the L-tryptophan metabolite L-kynurenine to form kynurenic acid (KA). Metabolizes the cysteine conjugates of certain halogenated alkenes and alkanes to form reactive metabolites. Catalyzes the beta-elimination of S-conjugates and Se-conjugates of L-(seleno)cysteine, resulting in the cleavage of the C-S or C-Se bond (By similarity). 2-oxoglutarate + L-kynurenine = H2O + kynurenate + L-glutamate 3-phenylpyruvate + L-glutamine = 2-oxoglutaramate + L-phenylalanine an S-substituted L-cysteine + H2O = a thiol + NH4(+) + pyruvate Amino-acid degradation; L-kynurenine degradation; kynurenate from L-kynurenine: step 1/2. Homodimer. Belongs to the class-I pyridoxal-phosphate-dependent aminotransferase family.