NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has welcomed President William Ruto’s announcement that construction of a modern, world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will begin in 2026, describing the project as critical to safeguarding Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub.
In a statement issued following the President’s New Year address, KAA said JKIA is already operating beyond its intended capacity, underscoring the urgent need for new infrastructure.
According to the authority, the airport handled about 8.6 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its design capacity of 7.5 million, as passenger and cargo traffic continue to rise.
“In 2025, JKIA handled about 8.6 million passengers against a design capacity of 7.5 million, underscoring the urgency of new infrastructure to support projected growth,” KAA said.
The authority noted that the planned facility will significantly enhance passenger handling capacity, improve customer experience and unlock new opportunities for trade and tourism once construction begins next year.
President Ruto unveiled the project during his New Year’s address, positioning the new airport as a key pillar of Kenya’s long-term economic strategy.
“In 2026, we will begin the construction of a modern world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and boost our trade and tourism sectors,” the President said.
KAA added that the investment will reinforce JKIA’s role as Kenya’s premier gateway to the world, with more details on the project’s implementation to be released in due course.
The airport expansion forms part of a broader infrastructure push outlined by the President, who described 2026 as a year of “execution at scale” for his administration.
Among the major projects slated for completion or rollout is the Talanta Sports Complex, which the government aims to prepare for hosting major international events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Ruto also announced that the Bomas International Convention Centre will be completed and restored as a premium venue for regional and global conferences, supporting Kenya’s ambition to become a leading meetings and events destination.
In addition, the government plans to accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads already under contract, including the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which is expected to be completed and opened by mid-2027.
Funding has also been secured to extend the road from Mau Summit to Eldoret and Malaba, as well as from Mau Summit through Kericho to Malaba.
The President further revealed that construction of several new highways will commence in 2026 to improve national connectivity and ease the movement of goods and people.
