Kenya is charting a new course for its aviation future, unveiling an ambitious Sh258 billion ($2 billion) plan to modernize and significantly expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). This strategic move follows the much-debated cancellation of a previous agreement with India’s Adani Group late last year, signaling a decisive pivot in the government's approach to upgrading the nation's primary air gateway. The project, encompassing the construction of a new state-of-the-art terminal and a crucial second runway, will be financed through a public-private partnership model, with the government actively engaging international development lenders to secure the necessary capital.

This announcement marks a significant turning point for the administration of President William Ruto, coming nine months after it abruptly terminated discussions with the Adani Group. The proposed deal with the Indian conglomerate had been met with considerable public and political resistance. Critics voiced concerns over a perceived lack of transparency in the negotiations, the potential for escalating airport fees that could impact travelers and businesses, and the sensitive national security implications of handing over control of a vital state asset to a foreign entity for a 30-year concession period. The Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU) emerged as a particularly vocal opponent, citing a lack of public participation and even threatening industrial action over fears of potential job losses within the aviation sector. Ultimately, President Ruto cited "undisputed evidence or credible information on graft" as a key determinant in the deal's cancellation in November 2024.

Now, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has confidently confirmed the government's new direction, stating, "We are in the process of building a new one (airport) so that we really become an anchor state that attracts people, so that you have that good feeling of coming in through the airport." This vision underscores the government's commitment to positioning Kenya as a premier aviation hub in the East and Central African region, recognizing the crucial role a modern and efficient airport plays in attracting investment, tourism, and facilitating trade.

The new plan steers clear of the concession model favored by the Adani Group. Instead, Kenya will strategically seek funding from a consortium of reputable development finance institutions, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the World Bank, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the China Exim Bank. This approach will allow the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) to retain full ownership and operational control of JKIA while leveraging its established balance sheet to secure the substantial capital required for such a large-scale undertaking. The government has set an ambitious target of having the new facilities fully operational by 2027, signaling a sense of urgency and commitment to delivering on this critical infrastructure project. The planned expansion aims to address long-standing infrastructural challenges that have occasionally plagued JKIA, including vital upgrades to existing runways, the development of more efficient airside access roads, and a much-needed modernization of the baggage handling system, all geared towards enhancing the overall passenger experience and solidifying Kenya's place on the global aviation map.