Kenya has unveiled plans for a sweeping expansion of its aviation infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen its position as East Africa’s leading air transport hub.
The proposed development, announced as part of President William Ruto’s New Year address, signals a renewed push to modernise key national assets critical to trade, tourism, and regional connectivity.
President Ruto disclosed that construction of a modern, world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is scheduled to begin in 2026.
In 2025, JKIA handled about 8.6 million passengers against a design capacity of 7.5 million, underscoring the urgency of new infrastructure to support projected growth.
This bold commitment will enhance capacity, improve customer experience, and unlock new opportunities for trade and tourism, reinforcing JKIA’s status as Kenya’s premier gateway to the world.
