President William Ruto has announced that construction of a new airport facility at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will begin next month, signaling the government’s determination to push ahead with one of Kenya’s most ambitious infrastructure projects despite months of controversy and public debate.
Speaking during a meeting with grassroots leaders at State House, Nairobi, on Friday, Ruto said the government had already secured financing and completed the planning framework required to kick-start the project.
The President painted a grim picture of the country’s main gateway, arguing that JKIA is struggling to cope with growing passenger and cargo traffic more than five decades after it was built.
“Our airport here was built in 1972. We tried to build another one, but there was a lot of noise. Right now, our airport canopy is on tarmac. We are embarrassed,” Ruto said.
He added: “I want to assure you that in July this year, we will begin constructing a new airport. We already have a plan, and we also have the money to build it because we want to transform Kenya.”
The announcement comes months after fierce public debate over plans to modernise JKIA, a project the government says is critical if Kenya is to maintain its position as East and Central Africa’s leading aviation hub.
The planned expansion is part of a long-term master plan that will guide JKIA’s development up to 2045. The project is expected to include a modern passenger terminal, expanded cargo facilities, upgraded aircraft handling systems and improved passenger amenities.
For years, aviation stakeholders have complained that JKIA is operating beyond its intended capacity, leading to congestion, delays and pressure on existing facilities.
Ruto said Kenya cannot afford to fall behind regional competitors that are investing heavily in world-class airports to attract international airlines, tourists and investors.
The project is expected to complement other flagship infrastructure investments being rolled out by the Kenya Kwanza administration, including road, railway, housing and energy projects aimed at accelerating economic growth.
Once completed, the expanded airport is expected to significantly increase passenger handling capacity, boost cargo operations and strengthen Nairobi’s position as a regional gateway for trade, tourism and investment.