Published: February 26, 2026 | Courtesy: Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)
NAIROBI – February 26, 2026 – The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has taken a major step toward transforming Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class aviation hub, today convening a high-level stakeholder engagement forum to present the newly completed JKIA Integrated Master Plan and Feasibility Study, alongside the upcoming JKIA Modernisation and Optimisation Project.
🤝 Stakeholder Engagement at the Core
The briefing brought together key aviation industry players, including:
| Stakeholder Group | Representatives |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Airlines | Commercial and cargo carriers |
| 🛠️ Ground Handling Agents | Service providers |
| 🏪 Concessionaires | Retail and commercial partners |
| 🏛️ Government Agencies | Airport-based regulatory bodies |
| 🌍 Aviation Partners | Industry stakeholders |
The comprehensive presentation outlined strategic interventions aimed at:
Easing congestion
Expanding capacity
Enhancing passenger experience
Reinforcing JKIA’s position as East Africa’s premier aviation hub
📊 Current Reality: Exceeding Design Capacity
Speaking during the session, KAA’s Managing Director, Dr. Mohamud Gedi, revealed striking statistics that underscore the urgency of expansion:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Original Design Capacity | 7.5 million passengers |
| Actual Passengers Handled (2025) | 8.6 million |
| Excess Over Capacity | 1.1 million passengers |
“JKIA handled 8.6 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its original design capacity of 7.5 million passengers.”
📈 Future Projections: The Growth Trajectory
Traffic projections indicate sustained growth that demands immediate and strategic intervention:
| Metric | 2025 (Actual) | 2045 (Projected) | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Passenger Traffic | 8.6 million | 27 million | +214% |
| 📦 Cargo Throughput | – | 860,000 tonnes | – |
| 📊 Average Annual Growth Rate | – | 4.6% | – |
🏗️ The Master Plan: Vision 2045
Developed by Global Experts
*”Developed with the global expertise of Dar Al-Handasah, this master plan, together with the JKIA Optimisation Project, provides a clear, resilient, and sustainable roadmap for the airport’s long-term growth, fully aligned with Kenya Vision 2030.”*
— Dr. Mohamud Gedi, Managing Director, KAA
Key Components:
| Project | Objective |
|---|---|
| 📋 JKIA Integrated Master Plan | Long-term strategic roadmap to 2045 |
| 🔧 JKIA Modernisation & Optimisation Project | Immediate capacity enhancements |
| 🏗️ New Terminal Development | Phased expansion to 27 million capacity |
🎯 Strategic Objectives
The master plan is designed to deliver:
✅ Eased Congestion – Smooth passenger flow through optimized terminals
✅ Expanded Capacity – From 7.5M to 27M passengers annually
✅ Enhanced Experience – World-class facilities and services
✅ Regional Hub Status – Strengthen JKIA as East Africa’s premier gateway
✅ Economic Growth – Support tourism, trade, and job creation
✅ Global Connectivity – Enhanced route networks and partnerships
🤝 Commitment to Collaboration
KAA reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive implementation:
“KAA reaffirmed its commitment to continuous stakeholder engagement throughout the implementation of the project, as it delivers a modern, world-class airport designed to support Kenya’s economic growth and strengthen regional and global connectivity.”
📞 Contact Information
For further information:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| 📞 Phone | +254-20-6611335 |
| ✉️ Email | corporatecommunications@kaa.go.ke |
🌍 Why This Matters for Kenya
The JKIA transformation is more than an airport upgrade—it’s a national economic catalyst:
| Sector | Impact |
|---|---|
| 🏨 Tourism | Capacity to welcome millions more visitors |
| 📦 Trade | Enhanced cargo handling for exports and imports |
| 💼 Employment | Thousands of jobs during and after construction |
| 🌐 Connectivity | More routes, more airlines, more options |
| 🏙️ National Pride | A world-class gateway to Kenya |
🚗 Your Ground Transport Partner
As JKIA embarks on this exciting transformation, Afrivibe Rentals remains your trusted partner for seamless ground transport at Kisumu International Airport and across Western Kenya.
We offer:
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Kenya’s aviation future is taking flight. We’ll get you there.