Some of the participants during the high-level stakeholder forum held in Nairobi on February 26, 2026/KAA

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has unveiled a
comprehensive master plan to modernise and expand Jomo Kenyatta International
Airport (JKIA), outlining an ambitious roadmap to ease congestion, grow
capacity and cement Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s premier aviation hub.

During a high-level stakeholder forum held in Nairobi on
February 26, 2026, KAA presented the newly completed JKIA Integrated Master
Plan and Feasibility Study alongside the upcoming JKIA Modernisation and
Optimisation Project.

KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi said the airport’s
expansion is urgent, noting that JKIA handled 8.6 million passengers in 2025, surpassing
its original design capacity of 7.5 million passengers.

 “Developed with the
global expertise of Dar Al-Handasah, this master plan, together with the JKIA
Optimisation Project, provides a clear, resilient and sustainable roadmap for
the airport’s long-term growth, fully aligned with Kenya Vision 2030,” Gedi
said.

Traffic projections indicate steady growth to 27 million
passengers and over 860,000 tonnes of cargo annually by 2045, reflecting an
average annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent.

The plan outlines strategic interventions to expand terminal
capacity, improve airside infrastructure, optimise existing facilities and
enhance passenger experience, while strengthening operational resilience and
sustainability.

The session brought together airlines, ground handling
agents, concessionaires, airport-based government agencies and other key industry
players.

The unveiling comes amid renewed focus on aviation reforms
and infrastructure upgrades.

KAA Managing Director Mohamud Gedi addressing the stakeholders during the high-level stakeholder forum held in Nairobi on February 26, 2026/KAA

Earlier this month, Principal Secretary State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, said the government would tap local
engineering talent in the multi-billion-shilling expansion projects.

She noted that communication, navigation and surveillance
systems are being upgraded, sustainable aviation fuel frameworks integrated and
regulations for unmanned aircraft systems updated, all requiring highly skilled
engineers and regulators.

Industry leaders have welcomed the expansion but cautioned
that infrastructure development must be matched by investment in technical
skills.

Speaking at the Institution of Engineers of Kenya Aviation
Sector Conference 2026, IEK President Shammah Kiteme said Kenya’s aviation
future depends as much on skilled professionals as on new terminals and
runways.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
Economic Survey 2025, the air transport and storage sector grew 6.3 per cent in
2024, supported by rising passenger and cargo volumes.

Data from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority shows passenger
traffic through Kenyan airports surpassed 12 million in 2024, nearing
pre-pandemic levels.

KAA said it will maintain continuous stakeholder engagement
as it implements the master plan, positioning JKIA to support Kenya’s long-term
economic growth and regional connectivity ambitions.