The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has welcomed President William Ruto’s New Year announcement on the construction of a modern, world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
KAA described the project as critical to sustaining Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub.
In a statement, the authority noted that JKIA handled about 8.6 million passengers in 2025, surpassing its design capacity of 7.5 million.
The statement highlighted the urgency of new infrastructure to accommodate projected growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
“In 2025, JKIA handled about 8.6 million passengers against a design capacity of 7.5 million, underscoring the urgency of new infrastructure to support projected growth,” the statement read.
The authority said the planned airport, expected to begin construction in 2026, will enhance capacity, improve the overall customer experience, and unlock new opportunities for trade and tourism.
President Ruto announced the project during his New Year’s address, saying the new facility would anchor Kenya as the aviation capital of the region and strengthen the country’s trade and tourism sectors.
“In 2026, we will begin the construction of a modern world-class airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and boost our trade and tourism sectors,” Ruto said.
KAA added that the investment will reinforce JKIA’s status as Kenya’s premier gateway to the world, with further details on implementation to be communicated in due course.
During his address, President Ruto outlined a slate of major infrastructure and development projects scheduled for completion or rollout in 2026, describing the year as a period of “execution at scale” for his administration.
He said the government will complete the Talanta Sports Complex, positioning it to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
He also announced the completion of the Bomas International Convention Centre, which will be restored as a premium venue for national and international conferences, supporting Kenya’s ambition to become a regional hub for global events.
The President added that the government will accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads already contracted and under construction across the country.
Key projects include the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which is on track for completion and opening by mid-2027.
Funding has also been secured to extend the road from Mau Summit to Eldoret and Malaba, as well as from Mau Summit through Kericho to Malaba.
Ruto further announced plans to begin construction of several new highways in 2026 to improve national connectivity and ease the movement of goods and people.
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