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Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced that the government will construct a new airport in Kenya after delays in the planned expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Speaking during a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi on Monday, August 11, Chirchir acknowledged that plans to build a new airport have faced setbacks, such as the cancellation of the Adani deal for JKIA’s upgrade last year.
He said the decision to build a new airport is to address the infrastructural challenges Kenya has been grappling with and to strengthen its position as a major player in the aviation sector.
“We will shortly be relooking at the airport. You appreciate that we don’t have an airport; our airport was destroyed sometime around 2013/2014. Our attempts to build a new airport have faced challenges due to the democratic space we are in — we have had so much debate,” Chirchir said.
“We are in the process of building a new one so that we truly become an anchor state that attracts visitors and gives them that good feeling of coming in through the airport.”
CS Chirchir Announces Govt Plan to Build New Airport
Chirchir said the government will leverage Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive infrastructure.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, echoing Chirchir’s sentiments, said JKIA must be replaced and confirmed that the project is among those in the pipeline.
This comes after the Cabinet, in February 2025, approved major infrastructure upgrades at JKIA, including improvements to drainage systems and walkways, among other measures to modernize the busy airport.
Other planned improvements include better water management, particularly during heavy rains, and the installation of covered walkways to offer passengers greater comfort.
Also Read: Cabinet Approves Project That Will Link JKIA with SGR
Future Plans For JKIA
Passengers will also benefit from enhanced air conditioning, modernized baggage handling systems, and clearer signage throughout the airport.
Consequently, in July, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) announced that it is developing Integrated Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport (WAP) to guide future developments and enhance service delivery.
KAA said the master planning process includes a comprehensive Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) being undertaken by Dar Al Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) and Geodev (K) Ltd.
It explained that the plan is in accordance with the guidelines of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999.
KAA said the SESA process requires broad stakeholder engagement, involving neighbouring communities, organizations, and individuals who may be affected by, or have an interest in, the planning and future operations of the two airports.
Also Read: Govt Issues Public Notice on Future Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airports
Cancellation of Adani-JKIA Deal
President William Ruto, in November 2024, directed the cancellation of all deals between the Kenyan government and the Indian conglomerate Adani Group.
The cancellations included the Adani–Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) deal and the Adani–Kenya Electricity Transmission Company Limited (KETRACO) deal.
Speaking during his State of the Nation address in Parliament, the Head of State instructed Transport CS Davis Chirchir and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to terminate ongoing public-private partnership discussions with Adani Group Holdings.
“I have stated in the past, and I reiterate today, that in the face of undisputed evidence or credible information on corruption, I will not hesitate to take decisive action,” President Ruto said then.
“Accordingly, I now direct – in furtherance of the principles enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution on transparency and accountability, and based on new information provided by our investigative agencies and partner nations – that the procuring agencies within the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum immediately cancel the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA Expansion Public Private Partnership transaction, as well as the recently concluded KETRACO transmission line Public Private Partnership contract, and immediately commence the process of onboarding alternative partners.”
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