The government is set to kick off the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the construction of a new airport from January 2026, as part of a broader Ksh5 trillion national transformation plan aimed at industrialization and economic growth. The ambitious projects are expected to enhance air transport capacity, support industrial expansion, and attract complementary investments in rail, energy, and other critical infrastructure.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony for the Matuga Clinker Line on Tuesday, President William Ruto described the airport upgrades as a cornerstone of Kenya’s drive to reduce reliance on debt and accelerate national development.
“That particular construction of the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway is going to begin in January. That will also include the modernization of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” Ruto said.
New Airport to Ease Congestion and Boost LogisticsPresident Ruto confirmed that plans for a new airport have been finalized to ensure timely implementation.
“I want everybody to know that the expansion and the development of a new airport is also going to happen next year. We already have consolidated the framework that is going to allow us to do that,” he said.
The aviation projects form part of a Ksh5 trillion plan targeting logistics, transport, energy, and irrigation investments.
According to the President, these developments are crucial for improving passenger experience, enhancing cargo handling, supporting growing demand in air travel, trade, and tourism, and strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional and international logistics hub.
Aviation Projects Linked to Industrial GrowthRuto explained that the airport developments are not standalone investments. They will work in tandem with expanded rail and energy infrastructure to unlock industrial growth and economic transformation.
“We have to expand our generation of energy because, at the moment, we are living on the edge. It cannot be possible for us to industrialize if we don’t have sufficient, reliable, affordable energy,” he said, noting that Kenya’s current electricity generation capacity of about 3,300 megawatts must be scaled up to at least 10,000 megawatts by 2032 to meet industrial demands.
Ambitious Vision for a First-World EconomyThe President framed the infrastructure push within a broader vision to reposition Kenya as a first-world economy driven by value addition, innovation, and industrial depth.
“These investments have a clear objective to position Kenya firmly on the trajectory to a first-world economic status driven by productivity, innovation, and industrial depth,” Ruto said, urging Kenyans to unite behind the government’s development agenda.
Jobs, Investment, and Improved LivelihoodsAccording to Ruto, the planned investments in airports, rail, energy, and other critical infrastructure aim to create jobs, attract investment, and improve livelihoods across the country. He stressed that national unity and collective effort are essential to achieving these long-term development goals.
“We have to expand the generation of energy. That’s where I want the country to move together and to achieve,” he said, reinforcing the central role of energy, transport, and industrial infrastructure in Kenya’s path to sustainable growth.
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