Nairobi, Kenya (Running Africa) — Kenya has signed a 154.2 billion Kenyan shilling ($1.2 billion) agreement with the Chinese state-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to undertake a major expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a project aimed at strengthening the country’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation hub.
Announced on June 24, the ambitious infrastructure project will nearly triple JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from 7.5 million to 22 million travelers, positioning Nairobi to meet rising air traffic demand and compete more aggressively with regional aviation centers in Ethiopia and Rwanda.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the expansion will include the construction of a new passenger terminal, modernization of existing airport facilities, and upgrades to both airside and landside infrastructure to improve efficiency, passenger experience, and operational capacity.
The investment comes as Kenya seeks to enhance its aviation sector and capitalize on growing regional and international travel across Africa.
The new deal replaces an earlier airport modernization agreement awarded to India’s Adani Group, which was scrapped in 2024 after the company’s founder faced legal challenges in the United States.
Project financing is being arranged through the African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), highlighting continued support from African financial institutions for strategic infrastructure development across the continent.
Once completed, the expansion is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment while reinforcing Nairobi’s role as a critical gateway connecting Africa to global markets.
