Kenya’s main gateway to the world, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), may soon be replaced with a modern facility, following government plans to construct a new airport within the next two years.
Officials say the project is aimed at overcoming long-standing infrastructure problems and boosting the country’s standing in the global aviation market.
The announcement came on Monday during the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi, where Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir spoke candidly about the shortcomings of the current airport.
“You do appreciate that we do not have an airport; our airport was burnt at some time around 2013/2014. Our attempts to build a new airport have met challenges due to the democratic space we are in,” he said.
Chirchir noted that the new project is intended to redefine first impressions for visitors and solidify Kenya’s role as a key travel hub.
“We are in the process of building a new one (airport) so that we really become an anchor state that attracts people, so that you have that good feeling of coming in through the airport,” he added.
The government will turn to Public-Private Partnerships to finance and deliver the development, a move Chirchir described as essential for ensuring modern, cost-effective infrastructure.
The plan follows previous setbacks, including the termination of the Adani Group’s agreement to upgrade JKIA in November last year.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who also addressed the forum, pledged to keep the project on track, saying that all stages, from planning to completion, must be finalised before 2027.
If realised, the new airport would replace an ageing facility that has served as Kenya’s aviation hub for decades, ushering in a fresh era for the country’s air transport sector and enhancing passenger experiences for both local and international travellers.
