NAIROBI, Kenya — The Government has strongly defended the proposed modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), describing the multi-billion-shilling initiative as a strategic national investment designed to secure Kenya’s position as East Africa’s premier aviation hub amid growing regional competition.

Speaking during a press briefing at Transcom House in Nairobi, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the airport’s current infrastructure is increasingly under pressure from rising passenger traffic, aircraft movements, and cargo volumes, necessitating urgent expansion to meet future demand and international aviation standards.

“Countries across the region are making significant investments in modern airport infrastructure. To maintain Kenya’s position as the leading aviation hub in East Africa, we must similarly invest in facilities capable of accommodating future growth while enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and passenger experience,” said Chirchir.

According to the Government, the modernization programme is anchored on a comprehensive JKIA Master Plan and Feasibility Study conducted over a one-year period by an internationally recognized aviation and engineering consultancy firm. The study established a long-term vision and phased development strategy aimed at transforming the airport into a world-class aviation facility.

Following completion of the master plan, the Government developed detailed concept designs and tender documentation for the procurement of a Design and Build Contractor to undertake three major components of the project:

• Rehabilitation of the existing airfield infrastructure;
• Renovation and expansion of current passenger terminals; and
• Construction of a new passenger terminal and supporting operational facilities.

The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a Request for Proposals on March 3, 2026, with bidding closing on May 14, 2026. Officials maintained that the procurement process was conducted through an open international competitive bidding framework in full compliance with Kenya’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act.

Government officials emphasized that the projected cost of KSh154.2 billion extends far beyond the construction of a new terminal building.

The investment will also cover the rehabilitation and expansion of existing facilities, aircraft aprons, taxiways, aviation systems, utility networks, access roads, and other critical operational support infrastructure required to support long-term growth.

Once completed, the expansion is expected to increase JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from the current 7.5 million passengers to 22 million passengers.

Existing terminals will be upgraded and expanded to accommodate up to 12 million passengers annually, while the proposed new terminal will handle an additional 10 million passengers each year, significantly easing congestion and improving service delivery.

The Government revealed that financing arrangements are being structured through the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the African Finance Corporation (AFC), which have been appointed as lead arrangers for the project.

Funding is expected to be largely supported through airport-generated revenues, supplemented by participation from development finance institutions and commercial lenders.

Officials noted that the financing model is designed to ensure the project remains sustainable while minimizing pressure on taxpayers.

The Government also moved to dispel recent media reports linking an unnamed company to the procurement process.

“We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project,” Chirchir stated.

The Cabinet Secretary urged Kenyans to rely on official communication channels and verified information regarding the project while cautioning media organizations against publishing unverified reports that could mislead the public.

After years of stalled proposals and unsuccessful attempts to modernize Kenya’s primary international gateway, the JKIA expansion programme represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the country’s recent history.

The project is expected to strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional aviation, trade, tourism and investment hub while enhancing passenger experience, operational efficiency, safety standards and cargo handling capacity.

As competition among Africa’s leading airports intensifies, the modernization of JKIA is being viewed as a transformative investment that could redefine the future of air transport in East Africa and reinforce Kenya’s status as the region’s gateway to the world.