The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is set for a major transformation following the cabinet’s approval of the JKIA Medium-Term Investment Plan. This significant move aims to overhaul the airport’s infrastructure, elevating it to meet global aviation standards and addressing long-standing issues that have plagued the facility for years.
The upgrade plan encompasses extensive renovations and expansions, including the passenger terminal, runway, taxiway, apron, and airside facilities. These enhancements are designed to rectify persistent problems such as leaking roofs and inadequate drainage, which have become particularly problematic during heavy rains since early March. A recent viral video by CNN Correspondent Larry Madowo highlighted these issues, showcasing a leaking roof at Terminal 1C that disrupted services.
JKIA, inaugurated on March 14, 1978, has long been overdue for essential upgrades. The Medium-Term Plan, unveiled by President William Ruto on March 22, outlines the construction of a state-of-the-art terminal capable of accommodating up to 20 million passengers annually, a significant increase in capacity. The new terminal’s construction is set to commence later this year, with completion targeted by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
In addition to the new terminal, the government plans to refurbish Terminal 1E, further enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and passenger services. “The programme aims to streamline the movement of aircraft within Kenya’s airspace and enhance passenger services by expanding and modernising aviation facilities,” stated the plan.
The cabinet also reviewed the National Aviation Policy, initiated in 2022, which aims to enhance Kenya’s connectivity, foster aviation growth, and maximise the sector’s contribution to economic development. With Kenya experiencing its highest-ever number of air traffic passengers in 2019 and a projected doubling of the population by 2050, robust aviation infrastructure is crucial.
Recognising air transport’s pivotal role, the policy underscores the need for comprehensive upgrades to support the anticipated growth in travel demand. JKIA’s revitalisation is a key component of Kenya’s broader national development objectives outlined in Vision 2030, aligning with the goal of bolstering the country’s economic landscape.
As the primary gateway for international arrivals, JKIA’s transformation is not just an infrastructure project but a critical step towards enhancing Kenya’s global connectivity. The forthcoming upgrades will address existing issues, improve passenger experience, and support the nation’s economic ambitions, solidifying JKIA’s status as a premier international aviation hub.
The approved plans mark a new chapter for JKIA, promising a modernised facility that meets international standards and supports Kenya’s growth and development in the aviation sector.
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