NAIROBI, June 24 – The Kenyan government has signed a 154.2 billion Kenyan shilling (about $1.2 billion) agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation to undertake a major expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reinforcing the country’s ambition to strengthen its position as East Africa’s leading aviation hub.
The agreement was announced by Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir who said the project will significantly increase the airport’s capacity while modernising key aviation infrastructure.
Under the project, annual passenger handling capacity will increase to approximately 22 million passengers from the current 7.5 million, positioning the airport to accommodate growing regional and international air travel demand.
The expansion will include the construction of a new passenger terminal, supporting operational facilities, upgrades to existing airport infrastructure, and improvements to both airside and landside operations.
According to the government, the project is designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger experience and strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional transport and logistics hub.
The agreement follows the cancellation of a previous airport expansion deal awarded in 2024 to India’s Adani Group. That agreement was terminated after legal developments involving the company’s founder in the United States.
The new partnership marks the revival of one of Kenya’s most important infrastructure projects as the government seeks to accommodate rising passenger volumes and support long-term economic growth.
Kenya faces increasing competition from regional aviation hubs, particularly Ethiopia and Rwanda, both of which have invested heavily in expanding airport infrastructure to attract international airlines and transit passengers.
By significantly increasing capacity and modernising airport facilities, Kenya aims to reinforce Nairobi’s position as a key gateway for business, tourism and trade across Africa.
The airport expansion also aligns with the country’s broader infrastructure development agenda, which seeks to improve transport connectivity, facilitate international commerce and support economic integration across the East African region.
