KAA to Launch Taxi-Hailing App at JKIA in Bid to Rival Uber and Bolt

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is set to launch its own taxi-hailing platform at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, aiming to capture a share of the airport transport market currently dominated by global ride-hailing companies.

The authority recently closed a tender for the design and operation of a mobile and web-based system under a public-private partnership. The selected partner will manage the platform and share a portion of the revenues with KAA. The tender period ends on 25 February, with plans for rapid implementation.

Initially, the service will focus on airport-regulated taxis, allowing passengers to book vetted drivers via mobile apps, a web portal, or kiosks at the terminal. Features will include real-time fare estimates, vehicle tracking, automated dispatch, and trip notifications. Geofencing technology will ensure that operations are restricted to designated taxi ranks, improving safety, reducing congestion, and preventing unauthorised pickups.

The move addresses long-standing concerns about unregulated drivers operating around JKIA, contributing to traffic issues and security risks. By consolidating taxi bookings onto a single monitored platform, KAA seeks to enhance order and accountability in airport transport.

The tender notice also suggests broader ambitions for the platform. In the future, the app could expand to include services such as lounge reservations, duty-free shopping, parking management, and flight information, aligning with global trends to use digital platforms to improve passenger experience.

However, the initiative may have significant impacts on the livelihoods of many drivers. JKIA handles approximately 8.6 million travellers annually, many of whom rely on ride-hailing companies for airport transfers.