Ruto Unveils Plans for Large-Scale Airport Construction at JKIA

Posted on : Monday , 5th January 2026

Kenya is set to begin construction of a new, modern airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) before the end of the year, as the government moves to expand aviation infrastructure and ease congestion at the country’s main gateway.

President William Ruto announced that the construction of the world-class facility will anchor Kenya’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub while supporting trade and tourism growth. He said the government is fast-tracking the project, emphasizing the role of large-scale airport construction in driving economic development.

The Kenya Airports Authority noted that JKIA has been operating beyond capacity, handling about 8.6 million passengers in 2025 against a design limit of 7.5 million, underscoring the urgency of the new construction.

The project involves building a world-class terminal and potentially a second runway, along with upgrades to existing infrastructure like runways, taxiways, and baggage handling systems. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) states the new infrastructure will improve passenger handling capacity, enhance the customer experience, and boost the country's trade and tourism sectors.