Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is set to nearly triple its passenger handling capacity under a proposed Sh154.2 billion modernisation programme, with the government saying the project is critical to maintaining Kenya's position as East Africa's leading aviation hub.
A status report released by the Ministry of Roads and Transport shows the planned expansion will increase JKIA's annual passenger capacity from the current 7.5 million to 22 million passengers through the upgrade of existing facilities and construction of a new terminal.
The project includes the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the existing airfield, renovation and expansion of current terminals, and development of a new greenfield passenger terminal capable of handling 10 million passengers annually.
According to the ministry, improvements to existing terminals will raise their capacity from 7.5 million to 12 million passengers per year, while the new terminal will add another 10 million passengers.
"The airport is increasingly operating under capacity constraints, and forecasts indicate that significant expansion is required to accommodate future demand while maintaining international standards of safety, operational efficiency, and passenger service," the ministry said.
The government said the expansion is aimed at supporting growth in tourism, trade, cargo operations and regional connectivity amid increasing competition from other airports in the region.
The project is based on a JKIA Master Plan and Feasibility Study commissioned by the government and developed over a year through technical planning and stakeholder consultations.
The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development issued a request for proposals for a design-and-build contractor on March 3, 2026, with bids closing on May 14.
The ministry said the procurement was conducted through an open international competitive bidding process and is currently undergoing evaluation in line with public procurement laws.
Once completed, the project will include expanded aircraft aprons, taxiways, utility networks, access roads, aviation systems and operational support facilities.
The existing airfield upgrade is expected to take 15 months, terminal renovations 18 months, while construction of the new terminal is projected to take approximately 36 months.
The government said the investment will position Kenya to remain the premier aviation hub in East Africa while accommodating future passenger growth for decades to come.
