The Government of Kenya and Kenya Airports Authority have announced plans to construct an expanded airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with development expected to begin in 2026.
The announcement was made by President William Ruto as part of his New Year address.
According to figures released by Kenya Airports Authority, JKIA handled approximately 8.6 million passengers in 2025. This exceeded the airport’s current design capacity of 7.5 million passengers, highlighting pressure on existing infrastructure as air travel demand continues to increase.
The proposed airport development is intended to expand capacity and address operational constraints at the country’s main international gateway. The project is also expected to support Kenya’s wider aviation, trade and tourism objectives, as well as its role in regional air connectivity.
H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President of the Republic of Kenya said:In 2026, we will begin the construction of a modern world-class airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and boost our trade and tourism sectors.
Kenya Airports Authority stated that the new infrastructure would focus on improving passenger handling and accommodating projected growth in air traffic over the coming years.
JKIA, located in Nairobi, remains Kenya’s primary international airport and a key entry point for both passenger and cargo traffic. The planned expansion represents a significant long-term investment in the country’s transport infrastructure as authorities seek to manage rising demand and maintain operational efficiency.
