JKIA expansion plan unveiled to ease congestion

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled a comprehensive master plan to modernise and expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), outlining an ambitious roadmap to ease congestion, grow capacity and cement Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s premier aviation hub.

During a high-level stakeholder forum held in Nairobi on February 26, 2026, KAA presented the newly completed JKIA Integrated Master Plan and Feasibility Study alongside the upcoming JKIA Modernisation and Optimisation Project.

KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi said the airport’s expansion is urgent, noting that JKIA handled 8.6 million passengers in 2025, surpassing its original design capacity of 7.5 million passengers.

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“Developed with the global expertise of Dar Al-Handasah, this master plan, together with the JKIA Optimisation Project, provides a clear, resilient and sustainable roadmap for the airport’s long-term growth, fully aligned with Kenya Vision 2030,” Gedi said.

Traffic projections indicate steady growth to 27 million passengers and over 860,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2045, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent.

The plan outlines strategic interventions to expand terminal capacity, improve airside infrastructure, optimise existing facilities and enhance passenger experience, while strengthening operational resilience and sustainability.

The session brought together airlines, ground handling agents, concessionaires, airport-based government agencies and other key industry players.

The unveiling comes amid renewed focus on aviation reforms and infrastructure upgrades.

KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi addressing the stakeholders during the high-level stakeholder forum held in Nairobi on February 26, 2026/KAA

Earlier this month, Principal Secretary State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said the government would tap local engineering talent in the multi-billion-shilling expansion projects.

She noted that communication, navigation and surveillance systems are being upgraded, sustainable aviation fuel frameworks integrated and regulations for unmanned aircraft systems updated, all requiring highly skilled engineers and regulators.

Industry leaders have welcomed the expansion but cautioned that infrastructure development must be matched by investment in technical skills.

Speaking at the Institution of Engineers of Kenya Aviation Sector Conference 2026, IEK President Shammah Kiteme said Kenya’s aviation future depends as much on skilled professionals as on new terminals and runways.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2025, the air transport and storage sector grew 6.3 per cent in 2024, supported by rising passenger and cargo volumes.

Data from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority shows passenger traffic through Kenyan airports surpassed 12 million in 2024, nearing pre-pandemic levels.

KAA said it will maintain continuous stakeholder engagement as it implements the master plan, positioning JKIA to support Kenya’s long-term economic growth and regional connectivity ambitions.