Faith Masita
The government unveiled an ambitious 20-year master plan to transform the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class aviation hub capable of handling large numbers of passengers.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled an ambitious long-term blueprint aimed at transforming Jomo Kenyatta International Airport into a modern, high-capacity aviation hub.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled an ambitious long-term blueprint aimed at transforming Jomo Kenyatta International Airport into a modern, high-capacity aviation hub.
The roadmap, known as the JKIA Master Plan (2025–2045), was presented to staff during a consultative forum convened by KAA management on Wednesday, February 26.
During the engagement, KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi detailed plans to upgrade the current terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, increasing its annual passenger capacity from 7.5 million to 12 million.
According to Gedi, the improvements are designed to reduce congestion, streamline airport operations, and elevate the overall passenger experience at Kenya’s primary international gateway.
Beyond refurbishing the existing facility, the master plan also outlines the development of a completely new terminal with the capacity to handle 15 million passengers annually.
The KAA chief disclosed that implementation will take place in two stages, with Phase One focusing on the construction of a terminal capable of accommodating 10 million passengers per year.
KAA indicated that the projects will be funded under the administration of William Ruto, as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation infrastructure.
"Once completed, the projects are expected to significantly enhance Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub and improve passenger experience," Gedi said.
"It will also increase air connectivity, supporting tourism and trade, and stimulating broader economic growth in line with the country’s long-term development agenda," he added.
In addition to infrastructure expansion, the forum also addressed staff welfare, operational performance, and institutional efficiency, highlighting the human resource component of the airport’s transformation agenda.
Gedi further underscored the need for service excellence as JKIA prepares for rising passenger numbers over the next two decades, signalling a shift not only in physical infrastructure but also in customer experience standards.
