Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government is constructing a new international airport to replace the aging Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), saying the country must now position itself among the world’s top aviation hubs.
Speaking during an inspection tour, Kindiki said the current JKIA has served the nation for decades but is now outdated and overstretched. He emphasized that Kenya’s vision is to transform its aviation capacity to support massive growth in tourism, trade, and international travel.
“We are building a new airport because the current one is old. Our goal is to increase passenger traffic at JKIA from 8 million to 100 million, so that we can match airports like Dubai International Airport,” the Deputy President stated.
Kindiki noted that the upgrade is part of broader plans to make Nairobi a competitive regional gateway, drawing inspiration from global leaders such as Dubai, Doha, and Singapore. He said boosting passenger capacity would also strengthen Kenya’s economy by attracting new airlines, increasing cargo movement, and enhancing the country’s profile as a transport and investment hub.
The DP added that the new airport will incorporate modern technology, improved safety systems, expanded terminals, and a more efficient passenger experience. According to him, achieving the 100-million-passenger target is ambitious but necessary if Kenya hopes to compete with major global airports.
His remarks come amid ongoing discussions on the need for large-scale reforms within the aviation sector, especially after years of congestion, infrastructure strain, and abandoned expansion projects at JKIA.
As plans move forward, Kenyans await more details on funding, timelines, and the long-term impact of the new airport on the economy and the future of Kenya’s air travel industry.
