The Government of Kenya has formally issued a tender for the construction of a new passenger terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marking the beginning of large-scale infrastructure expansion designed to accommodate rapidly rising air traffic demand.
The move comes as annual passenger numbers at JKIA are projected to increase from 8.93 million in 2025 to 22.3 million by 2045. Over the same period, cargo volumes are expected to more than double, reinforcing the airport’s strategic importance as East Africa’s primary aviation gateway.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrade
Beyond the new terminal, the expansion blueprint includes significant airside and landside enhancements. Plans call for runway upgrades, additional taxiways and expanded aircraft aprons to improve operational efficiency and increase aircraft handling capacity.
Digital transformation is also central to the modernization strategy. Authorities plan to introduce fully digitized passenger processing systems aimed at reducing wait times, enhancing security screening and improving overall traveler experience.
Positioning JKIA as a Regional Aviation Hub
The development extends beyond core aviation infrastructure. The master plan incorporates expanded landside access to ease congestion and improve connectivity, as well as the creation of an Airport City and Special Economic Zones (SEZ).
These initiatives are intended to reposition JKIA as a fully integrated regional aviation and logistics hub, strengthening its competitiveness against other major African airports and supporting Kenya’s long-term economic growth ambitions.
With air travel demand steadily recovering and trade flows increasing, the tender signals a decisive step toward future-proofing the country’s most critical transport asset.
