PS TERESIA MBAIKA: JKIA MODERNIZATION TO BOOST CAPACITY, CREATE JOBS AND ENHANCE EFFICIENCY

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika has said the government is committed to modernizing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to meet growing passenger demand, improve service delivery and position Kenya as a leading regional aviation hub.

Speaking while chairing a sensitization session on the JKIA Integrated Master Plan, PS Mbaika said inclusive stakeholder consultations are critical as preparations continue to upgrade the country’s main airport.

She told the Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) secretariat that the modernization programme is aligned with global standards and is designed to address current and future capacity challenges at JKIA.

“The JKIA Integrated Master Plan provides a clear roadmap for the airport’s future development, covering traffic forecasts, demand and capacity analysis, development options, phased infrastructure expansion and financial feasibility,” said PS Mbaika.

PS Mbaika noted that JKIA has already exceeded its current annual capacity of eight million passengers, having handled 8.6 million passengers in 2024 and 8.8 million in 2025. According to the PS, passenger numbers are increasing by about one million annually, meaning existing facilities will be inadequate within the next three years if expansion is not undertaken.

PS Mbaika said the government plans to construct a new terminal complex that will increase passenger handling capacity to 15 million annually. Phase I of the new terminal will accommodate 10 million passengers, while Phase II will add an additional five million.

“This new infrastructure will directly benefit Kenya Airports Authority staff, create employment opportunities and enhance operational efficiency across airport services, while serving the wider national interest,” she said.

She further explained that the Master Plan proposes a comprehensive modernization programme, including the construction of a new runway by 2029 and expansion of airfield capacity to handle approximately 63 aircraft movements per hour, up from the current 14. Landside upgrades will also be undertaken to improve access, circulation and overall passenger experience.

PS Mbaika emphasized that the expansion will be implemented in phases to ensure uninterrupted airport operations. “As new infrastructure is developed, the existing terminal facilities will be rehabilitated and optimized to maintain continuity of services,” she said.

She added that once completed, the JKIA expansion will enhance regional competitiveness, attract more airlines, increase passenger and cargo traffic, stimulate airport-based businesses and create jobs across the aviation value chain.

The session was attended by officials from the Kenya Airports Authority, led by Acting Managing Director Mr. Mohammed Gedi, as part of continued consultations with workers and other key stakeholders.