The government has signalled intentions to build a new airport in Kenya to replace the ageing Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, speaking at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi on Monday, said the move aims to tackle longstanding infrastructure challenges and strengthen Kenya’s standing in the global aviation industry.

“You do appreciate that we do not have an airport; our airport was burnt at some time around 2013/2014. Our attempts to build a new airport have met challenges due to the democratic space we are in,” Chirchir said.

Adding, “We are in the process of building a new one (airport) so that we really become an anchor state that attracts people, so that you have that good feeling of coming in through the airport.”

Transport CS Davis Chirchir speaking during a consultative meeting with regional directors and resident engineers from KeNHA, KURA, KeRRA and KRB on July 18, 2025. /THIKA TOWN TODAY

Chirchir said the government will use Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to drive infrastructure development, despite previous setbacks such as the cancellation of the Adani deal for JKIA’s upgrade in November last year.

Treasury CS John Mbadi, speaking at the same forum, said the government is committed to completing all project timelines — including full implementation — before 2027.

President William Ruto had in November ordered Chirchir and Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to terminate PPP talks with Adani Group Holdings, citing “undisputed evidence or credible information” of graft during his State of the Nation address on November 21.

Discussions on upgrading JKIA have been raised repeatedly, including a recent call by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) for public feedback on the future development plans for Wilson Airport and JKIA. In a July 20 notice, KAA announced it would conduct a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the planned developments.

The latest announcement comes just days after the government outlined plans to enhance JKIA’s facilities, including improvements to runways, airside access roads, and the baggage handling system.

Potential financiers for JKIA’s expansion include the European Investment Bank, German Development Bank, French Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and China Exim Bank.

Ruto’s administration has reached out to these institutions and is awaiting responses on funding options that could leverage the airport’s balance sheet.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is Kenya’s largest and busiest aviation hub, located in Nairobi. Serving as the country’s primary gateway for both domestic and international travel, it handles millions of passengers annually and is a critical link between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Opened in 1958 as Embakasi Airport before being renamed in 1978 in honour of Kenya’s first president, JKIA is a key transit point for major global airlines and a strategic hub for Kenya Airways. Its facilities include passenger terminals, cargo handling centres, and modern aviation services that support tourism, trade, and regional connectivity.

Beyond passenger services, JKIA is central to Kenya’s economy, facilitating the export of goods such as flowers, tea, and fresh produce.

The airport also plays a vital role in humanitarian operations, serving as a base for international aid and relief flights across East and Central Africa.

Despite its importance, JKIA faces infrastructure and capacity challenges, prompting ongoing discussions and plans for upgrades — and now, possible replacement — to maintain Kenya’s competitiveness in the global aviation sector.