Kenya to build new airport following JKIA expansion delays

The government has announced plans to construct a new international airport after years of delays in upgrading the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the move comes after repeated setbacks, including the termination of a deal with India’s Adani Group, and aims to secure Kenya’s position as a leading regional aviation hub.

Speaking during a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi on Monday, August 11, Chirchir said the new airport would address the growing strain on Kenya’s aviation infrastructure, which has struggled to keep pace with rising passenger and cargo demand.

“We will shortly revisit the airport plan. You know our main airport suffered damage around 2013–2014, and efforts to build a replacement have stalled amid intense debate,” he said. “We are now moving forward so that Kenya can truly serve as an anchor state a destination that welcomes visitors with a world-class gateway.”

Chirchir explained that the project will be undertaken through PPP arrangements to attract private investment for public infrastructure.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi supported the proposal, saying the development is already listed among the government’s planned projects and remains a top priority.

Earlier this year, in February, the Cabinet approved a set of interim improvements for JKIA to modernize the existing facility. These include upgrades to drainage systems, covered passenger walkways, air conditioning, baggage handling, and signage.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is also preparing Integrated Master Plans for both JKIA and Wilson Airport.

The process, led by Dar Al Handasah Consultants and Geodev (K) Ltd, includes a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) in compliance with the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999. Consultations with local communities and key stakeholders are part of the exercise.

The decision to shift focus to a new airport follows President William Ruto’s directive in November 2024 to terminate all government contracts with the Adani Group.

The cancellations, which also affected a Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO) project, were based on credible corruption concerns.

In his State of the Nation address at the time, Ruto instructed the Transport and Energy ministries to find alternative partners and ensure all future agreements comply with constitutional requirements for transparency and accountability.