NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled an ambitious modernisation and expansion plan for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aimed at strengthening Kenya’s position as a leading regional aviation hub.
The blueprint was presented during a media roundtable in Nairobi, where senior aviation and government officials outlined a two-phase development strategy designed to significantly expand the airport’s capacity and upgrade passenger infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, KAA Acting Managing Director Mohamud Gedi, and Kenya Civil Aviation Authority Director General Emile Arao.
Phase One: Capacity Upgrade
Officials said the first phase will focus on improvement works aimed at increasing JKIA’s passenger handling capacity to 12 million travellers annually within 18 months.
The upgrades will involve improvements to taxiways, passenger processing areas within terminals, digital services, and landside access to streamline airport operations.
Authorities said the improvements are intended to ease congestion while improving efficiency for airlines and travellers using the country’s busiest airport.
Phase Two: Mega Expansion
The second phase of the project will introduce major infrastructure expansion, including the construction of a new 4,500-metre parallel runway and a 230,000-square-metre passenger terminal.
The proposed terminal will feature a modern X-shaped design aimed at improving passenger movement and service standards while adding capacity to handle an additional 10 million passengers annually.
To accelerate delivery, officials said both phases will be implemented concurrently, with groundbreaking expected in June 2026.
Global Consultants and Airport City Plan
The overall JKIA Master Plan and airport design work is being undertaken by Dar Al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), an international engineering and aviation consultancy.
Beyond airport infrastructure, the plan also includes the development of an Airport City and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) around the facility.
Authorities say the integrated development will transform JKIA into a broader aviation-driven economic hub, attracting investment, creating jobs, and strengthening Kenya’s regional and global connectivity.
JKIA currently serves as the country’s primary international gateway and a key aviation hub for East and Central Africa, linking Nairobi to major destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
