Kenya’s Ministry of Roads and Transport has unveiled an ambitious expansion and modernisation programme for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), following a tender issued by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to upgrade existing facilities and construct new ones.
In a press briefing on March 3, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, stated that the expansion works, including a new, high-capacity passenger terminal, extensive runway and taxiway upgrades, and digitalisation of passenger processing systems, are central to positioning JKIA as a leading regional aviation gateway.
“Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya’s primary international gateway and regional aviation hub, serving a wide range of passenger and cargo operations. Its strategic location and status as a hub for Kenya Airways (KQ) position it as a critical driver of national and regional connectivity,” stated Davis Chirchir.
He emphasized that the project marks the beginning of a phased programme designed to address current operational pressures while preparing the airport for future traffic growth.
What the Tender Covers: A Two-Phase Modernisation Plan
According to Chirchir, the newly issued tender outlines a detailed programme of works structured in two phases: immediate improvements to relieve existing congestion, followed by long-term expansion to accommodate future demand.
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The first phase involves upgrading the existing runway, building a partial parallel taxiway, and constructing rapid-exit taxiways and a runway-end exit to reduce runway occupancy time.
It also includes reconfiguring and selectively expanding the current passenger terminals, digitalising check-in, immigration, security screening, and baggage handling, and enhancing vehicle circulation and parking areas.
These measures are intended to ease pressure on the airport while the larger expansion programme gets underway.
The second phase will involve the construction of a new passenger terminal capable of handling an additional 10 million passengers per year, with provision for future expansion.
The terminal will be supported by new aprons, taxiways, and aircraft support facilities, upgraded air traffic control systems, and modern firefighting, cargo, maintenance, fuel, and utility infrastructure. It will also be backed by improved landside access roads and expanded parking infrastructure.
“The forecast period spans from 2025 to 2045 and projects an increase from 8.93 million passengers in 2025 to approximately 22.31 million by 2045, reflecting an overall growth rate of 4.6%,” said Chirchir. He also mentioned that air cargo at JKIA is expected to grow from 407,214 tons in 2025 to 860,400 tons in 2045, more than doubling the volume over the forecast period.
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Congestion Makes Expansion Urgent
Chirchir noted that JKIA has been operating beyond its designed limits for several years, making the expansion unavoidable. In 2025, the airport handled 8.93 million passengers, far exceeding its intended capacity of 7.5 million. This sustained pressure has contributed to widespread congestion across the runway system, passenger terminals, aircraft stands, apron areas, and landside access roads.
According to the optimization study referenced in the briefing, JKIA faces several critical constraints. These include limited runway capacity and a lack of redundancy, which causes delays. The airport also suffers from insufficient aircraft stands and apron space, while terminal congestion continues to affect service levels and passenger comfort. In addition, growing road congestion is affecting access to the airport.
“Without intervention, these constraints negatively affect operational efficiency, safety margins, and JKIA’s competitiveness as a regional hub,” Chirchir said.
Airport City and SEZ to Unlock Economic Potential
In addition to aviation upgrades, the CS announced plans for a new Airport City consisting of hotels, business parks, commercial offices, conference facilities, educational centers, and mixed-use developments
A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) will also be developed, targeting logistics, pharmaceuticals, agro processing, e-commerce fulfilment, and light manufacturing.
The aim is to transform JKIA into a fully integrated aviation-led economic hub capable of generating employment, attracting investment, and strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional trade and logistics center.
Government Endorses Transparency and Public Engagement
Davis Chirchir mentioned the government’s commitment to transparency throughout the project’s implementation, promising regular updates to stakeholders and the public.
He added that the expansion is a national priority aimed at enhancing service quality, strengthening JKIA’s competitiveness, and safeguarding Kenya’s long term aviation capacity.
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