The President of Kenya, William Ruto, has said plans to expand and modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) remain on track following their suspension in 2025 after public opposition to the original tender process.
Speaking during his end-of-year address at the Eldoret State Lodge, Ruto said construction of a “modern, world-class airport” at JKIA will begin in 2026 and will be financed through Kenya’s Sovereign Wealth Fund.
“In 2026, we will begin the construction of a modern, world-class airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and boost our trade and tourism sectors,” Ruto said.
The JKIA project was halted last year after concerns were raised about Adani Group, which was contracted to undertake the development.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority, JKIA currently has capacity for 7.5 million passengers but handled around 8.6 million passengers in 2025, emphasising the need for new infrastructure to meet growth.
