KSh154 Billion JKIA Modernisation Project Officially Begins

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the KSh154.2 billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport modernisation project officially commenced this week. He confirmed the project’s status after a July 3 meeting with officials from the State Department of Roads.

Kindiki said he received a status update on the scope and expected milestones of the major development project. The confirmation follows President William Ruto’s previous announcement that construction would begin in July.

The project entails upgrades to existing terminals and airfield infrastructure as well as construction of a new passenger terminal. The overall plan is expected to increase JKIA’s capacity from 7.5 million to about 22 million passengers annually.

The project is being financed by the National Infrastructure Fund that got a major boost after the successful sale of Safaricom shares this week.

DP Kindiki also said the National Infrastructure Fund will be used to build 50 mega dams and 200 mid-sized dams, some of which have been in the plans for more than 30 years but could not be constructed due to funding constraints .

The JKIA upgrade project is being implemented in phases to be completed within three years. It comes against the backdrop of an ongoing court case in which the High Court certified as urgent a constitutional petition seeking to halt the project.

The petition has raised transparency concerns including questions on the construction consortium involved, financing structure and reported links to a company associated with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

The case filed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya seeks conservatory orders to stop any further steps on the redevelopment pending the determination of the petition. It also seeks to preserve all records including agreements, financing arrangements and approvals.

The airport remains Kenya’s main international gateway. Modernisation is expected to improve passenger experience, enhance safety and security standards and support increased air traffic.

Further details on the project timeline and specific works are expected as construction gains momentum. The government has emphasised the importance of the upgrade in positioning Kenya as a regional aviation hub.