Kenya Bets Big on Nairobi Airport Expansion

Kenya has launched a $1.2 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marking a decisive move to defend Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation hub as regional rivals invest billions of dollars in competing airport infrastructure.

The government signed an agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to modernise the country’s busiest airport through the construction of a new passenger terminal, rehabilitation of existing facilities and upgrading of supporting infrastructure.

Once completed, the project will increase JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from 7.5 million to 22 million, easing congestion while positioning Nairobi to accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

The investment comes as East Africa witnesses an intense race to dominate regional aviation, with countries seeking to attract airlines, tourists, cargo operators and international investors through world-class airport infrastructure.

Kenya’s biggest challenge comes from neighbouring Ethiopia, which has begun constructing a new mega airport at Bishoftu near Addis Ababa.

Expected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually upon completion, the facility will become Africa’s largest airport and strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ position as the continent’s biggest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing airlines.

Rwanda is also seeking a larger share of regional air traffic through the construction of Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to replace Kigali International Airport and significantly boost the country’s passenger and cargo handling capacity.

Developed in partnership with Qatar Airways, the airport forms part of Kigali’s strategy to establish itself as a regional aviation and business hub.

The rapid expansion of airport infrastructure across East Africa reflects growing competition for transit passengers, cargo volumes and airline investments, with aviation increasingly viewed as a catalyst for trade, tourism and economic growth.

For decades, Nairobi has served as one of Africa’s busiest gateways, connecting travellers between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East while acting as the main hub for Kenya Airways.

JKIA also plays a critical role in handling Kenya’s horticultural exports, one of the country’s largest foreign exchange earners.

However, years of congestion and delayed expansion have raised concerns that Kenya risked losing its competitive advantage as neighbouring countries accelerated investment in modern airport facilities.

The latest expansion is expected to improve passenger experience, increase operational efficiency and support future growth in cargo and international air travel.

With Ethiopia building Africa’s largest airport and Rwanda expanding Bugesera International Airport, Kenya’s decision to modernise JKIA signals a determination to remain the region’s preferred gateway and preserve Nairobi’s strategic position in Africa’s rapidly evolving aviation industry.

gandae@businessdayafrica.org