Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced that Kenya will construct a new airport to address long-standing infrastructural challenges and strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation hub. Speaking on Monday at the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Symposium in Nairobi, Chirchir said the project will be pursued under a PPP framework following the collapse of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) upgrade deal with India’s Adani Group.
“You do appreciate that we do not have an airport; our airport was burnt at some time around 2013/2014. Our attempts to build a new airport have met challenges due to the democratic space we are in,” Chirchir said. “We are in the process of building a new one so that we really become an anchor state that attracts people, so that you have that good feeling of coming in through the airport.”
The Adani deal, aimed at upgrading JKIA, was cancelled in November last year after President William Ruto ordered the termination of talks, citing credible information on corruption risks. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, addressing the same forum, emphasized that the government intends to complete all new projects, including the proposed airport, before 2027.
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has also been advancing plans for infrastructure improvements at both Wilson Airport and JKIA. In a notice on July 20, KAA called for public participation in a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) to evaluate the environmental and social impacts of future developments at the two facilities.
Meanwhile, the government is moving forward with targeted upgrades at JKIA, including improving runways, airside access roads, and baggage handling systems. Several development finance institutions are being considered as potential funding partners, including the European Investment Bank, German Development Bank, French Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and China Exim Bank.
According to Chirchir, using PPPs will enable the government to attract private investment and reduce pressure on public finances while meeting the growing demand for modern aviation facilities. The planned airport, coupled with JKIA’s upgrades, is expected to bolster Kenya’s competitiveness as an aviation gateway to Africa.
