Kenya’s ambition to reclaim its status as Eastern Africa’s aviation powerhouse may soon take off-literally.
In a fresh move to rehabilitate Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), the government has engaged leading global players in airport construction as part of its broader infrastructure modernization.
Ahead of President William Ruto’s State Visit to China, the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi held a strategic meeting with top executives from Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) International.
The top executives include Mr. Raymond Luo (President), Mr. Harold Huang (General Manager of Marketing) and Mr. Wei Zhang (Vice President for Southeast Africa).
BUCG boasts an impressive portfolio spanning over four decades with more than 30 airport terminals, runways and advanced aviation facilities built across the globe.
This high-level engagement signals a serious move by the government to finally commence the anticipated expansion of JKIA.
JKIA, which has long been criticized for congestion, outdated facilities and limited capacity, was allotted to renovation under earlier government plans.
The plans were, however, halted due to shifting priorities and budget constraints.
The renewed interest in upgrading JKIA comes at a critical time when regional competitors like Addis Ababa and Kigali are rapidly modernizing their airports to attract global airlines and cargo carriers.
Could this be the turning point for JKIA?
With serious players now in the conversation and political will aligning with infrastructure needs, the runway for transformation might finally clear.
