Inside KSh250bn JKIA Expansion Plan to Rival Ethiopia’s Aviation Dominance

Kenya has announced a Ksh 250 billion modernisation programme for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reviving a long-delayed expansion aimed at increasing capacity and improving operational resilience.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed the project’s restart after the cancellation of a previous deal with India’s Adani Group. He said the government was moving ahead with the upgrade to address infrastructure constraints and strengthen Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub, as neighbouring countries accelerate their own airport developments.

The centrepiece of the plan is a new X-shaped passenger terminal designed to reduce congestion and improve passenger flow. The first phase will handle up to 10 million passengers a year, rising to 15 million once fully expanded. The terminal will include four piers and a central processing hall, allowing clearer separation between domestic and international travellers.

The new facility will replace temporary structures introduced in 2015, which have struggled to meet rising demand. JKIA currently serves about 8.6 million passengers annually, exceeding its original design capacity of 7.5 million and placing pressure on existing terminals.

The project also includes construction of a second runway measuring 4.8 kilometres, expected to be completed by June 2027. This will allow simultaneous take-offs and landings and reduce the risk of airport closures caused by incidents on the current single runway.

In addition, the government plans to develop an “Airport City” around JKIA, incorporating hotels, logistics centres, and commercial spaces. The model is intended to diversify revenue sources and position the airport as a wider economic hub supporting trade and tourism.

President William Ruto has linked the expansion to Kenya’s broader goals in tourism, commerce, and international connectivity. The Kenya Airports Authority will manage the project, with funding expected from international development banks such as the African Development Bank and the World Bank, alongside private investment.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with early upgrades, including new boarding bridges, planned for completion by mid-2026. The second runway is due in 2027, while the main terminal is expected to be operational by 2029.