Kenya has appointed the Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation to structure financing for the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. The project is expected to cost up to 154.2 billion Kenyan shillings, equivalent to about $1.2 billion.
The expansion aims to increase JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from 7.5 million to 22 million travelers. As Kenya’s main international gateway, the airport plays a central role in tourism, trade, cargo movement and regional air connectivity.
The project will include rehabilitation of existing airport infrastructure, including runways and aircraft parking areas. It will also involve the construction of a new passenger terminal to ease congestion and support rising traffic demand.
The government expects the work to take about three years. The expansion comes as passenger numbers continue to exceed the airport’s original design capacity, with JKIA handling 8.8 million travelers in 2025 despite being designed for about 8 million passengers annually.
Kenya had earlier proposed using proceeds from the partial privatization of Kenya Pipeline Company to support the project through the National Infrastructure Fund. However, the latest financing arrangement does not clearly explain how those resources will be integrated into the structure being developed by TDB and AFC.
The expansion is taking place amid growing competition among major East African aviation hubs. Rwanda is building the new Bugesera International Airport with support from Qatar Airways, while Ethiopia is developing a new airport in Bishoftu with a long-term capacity that could reach more than 100 million passengers annually.
For Kenya, upgrading JKIA is important to maintaining Nairobi’s position as a leading regional aviation hub. Improved capacity and modern facilities could help the country attract more passenger traffic, strengthen Kenya Airways’ hub operations and support wider economic growth.
The project’s success will depend on finalizing the financing package and delivering construction within the announced timeline. Reports have suggested that China Communications Construction Company may be linked to the project contract, although Kenyan authorities have not officially confirmed the partnership.
Overall, the proposed $1.2 billion JKIA expansion reflects Kenya’s effort to modernize critical aviation infrastructure and remain competitive in the region. By expanding terminals, improving runways and increasing passenger capacity, the project could strengthen Nairobi’s role in African and global air transport.
