NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has reiterated the urgent need to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to cope with rising passenger and cargo demands, highlighting that the current infrastructure is severely overstretched.
According to a government statement, the airport, which handles 8.6 million passengers annually, already surpasses its design capacity of 7.5 million.
Projections show that by 2054, this number will rise to 32 million passengers, alongside a sharp increase in cargo traffic from the current 367,000 tons to nearly one million tons.
“The current state of JKIA’s infrastructure simply cannot support the growth we’re anticipating,” explained Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. “From leaking roofs and power outages to outdated passenger terminals, the need for an upgrade is clear.”
The statement emphasized that JKIA’s operational inefficiencies, such as inadequate aircraft parking bays and long passenger waiting times due to inefficient processing, are key factors driving the urgent need for expansion.
Additionally, limited shopping and dining options are holding back the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) from fully exploiting the airport’s commercial potential.
JKIA is a strategic asset for Kenya, playing a central role in the country’s economic development and status as a regional logistics hub.
The proposed expansion is aligned with Kenya’s National Development Plan and is seen as essential for sustaining economic growth, tourism, and trade.
The government aims to maintain Kenya’s competitive edge over regional airports in Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, all of which have recently upgraded their facilities.
However, the financial burden of the expansion—estimated at $2 billion (KSh 260 billion)—is too large for the government to bear alone.
“Due to fiscal constraints, we cannot finance this project solely through public funds,” Mwaura noted. “That is why we’ve adopted a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which offers the most viable solution for funding these critical upgrades.”
In March 2024, Kenya Airports Authority received a Privately Initiated Proposal (PIP) from Adani Airport Holdings, an Indian conglomerate, to finance and develop the airport’s infrastructure under the PPP framework.
The proposal includes constructing a new passenger terminal, a second runway, and refurbishing existing facilities, all of which aim to boost JKIA’s regional competitiveness.
“The proposal from Adani is still undergoing due process,” Mwaura stressed. “No terms have been agreed upon, and all aspects remain subject to stakeholder engagement and government approval as mandated by the PPP Act 2021.”
Mwaura emphasized that JKIA remains a strategic national asset and is not for sale.
“This expansion is about improving what we have, not selling it off. JKIA is central to Kenya’s economic aspirations, and we must ensure it stays competitive,” he stated.
