Kenya Bets on Sh154bn JKIA Upgrade to Secure Africa Aviation Lead

Kenya, June 18, 2026 - Kenya has launched an ambitious Sh154.2 billion plan to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into one of Africa's leading aviation hubs, amid growing competition from regional airports and increased scrutiny over the project's procurement process. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the modernization programme is designed to position Nairobi as a premier gateway connecting Africa to global markets while supporting trade, tourism, investment and cargo movement. The project comes at a time when countries across Africa and the Middle East are investing heavily in airport infrastructure to attract international airlines, passengers and investors. "Countries across the region are making significant investments in modern airport infrastructure," Chirchir said in a statement. "To maintain Kenya's position as the leading aviation hub in East Africa, we must similarly invest in facilities capable of accommodating future growth." Under the multi-billion-shilling programme, JKIA's passenger handling capacity will increase from the current 7.5 million passengers annually to 22 million, making it one of the largest aviation facilities on the continent. The project includes the construction of a new international terminal capable of handling 10 million passengers every year, expansion of existing terminals, modernization of airside infrastructure, additional aircraft parking bays, taxiways and advanced operational systems. According to Chirchir, the expansion is necessary because the airport's existing infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth of passenger traffic, cargo volumes and aircraft movements. "JKIA is a strategic national asset and a critical gateway to Kenya and the East African region," he said. The Cabinet Secretary noted that the airport plays a central role in supporting Kenya's tourism industry, international trade and diplomatic engagement, making modernization unavoidable if the country is to remain competitive globally. The government has also sought to reassure international financiers and investors following controversy surrounding the procurement process. Chirchir said the project followed an open international competitive bidding process after completion of a comprehensive master plan and feasibility study. "The procurement process for the Design and Build contractor was conducted through an open international competitive bidding process in accordance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, 2015 and all applicable regulations," he said. The ministry disclosed that the tender was advertised on March 3, 2026, and closed on May 14, attracting interest from international contractors seeking to participate in one of Africa's biggest airport infrastructure projects. Chirchir also dismissed reports linking a company named in recent media reports to the JKIA modernization programme. "The company referred to in these reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project," he said. As questions continue to emerge over the project, the government insists the expansion will be financed through a combination of airport-generated revenues and funding arranged by international development finance institutions. The Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the African Finance Corporation (AFC) have been engaged as transaction advisers to structure financing for the project. Officials argue that the investment is essential if Kenya is to compete with rapidly expanding airports in Ethiopia, Rwanda, South Africa and the Gulf states, all of which are positioning themselves as global aviation and logistics centres. "This development is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a strategic national investment that will secure Kenya's competitiveness for generations to come," Chirchir said. He added that the project's anticipated cost compares favourably with similar airport developments undertaken elsewhere in the region and internationally. Once completed, the modernization programme is expected to strengthen Nairobi's standing as a major continental transport hub, boost tourism arrivals, expand cargo handling capacity and deepen Kenya's integration into global trade networks.