Kenya will use 15 to 20 billion shillings (up to USD 155 million) from an initial public offering (IPO) of shares in Kenya Pipeline Company to expand the main Nairobi airport, announced President William Ruto. This development comes amid his administration raising 106.3 billion shillings in the first week of March 2026, by selling a 65% stake in Kenya Pipeline Company. Apart from the airport, proceeds will now be earmarked for other infrastructural projects like highways, railways and ports.
Stating that the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is operating beyond capacity and requires modernisation, Ruto told the nation, “The expansion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will be the first major project financed through this new model of financing under the National Infrastructure Fund. Between 15 and 20 billion shillings from the National Infrastructure Fund, from the proceeds of the Kenya pipeline IPO, will go to financing the seed money for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.”
The development strategy for the airport, drawn up by the Kenya Airports Authority, follows the completion of an “Integrated Master Plan and Feasibility Study” in February 2026. The report recommends a phased approach combining near-term infrastructure upgrades with longer-term capacity expansion to ensure the airport, also known as a hub for Kenya Airways, can continue operating as a key aviation touchpoint in East Africa, in terms of managing the increasing passenger and cargo traffic flows.
Currently, JKIA is facing operational huddles across its runway system, passenger terminal facilities and apron areas. In 2025, the airport handled approximately 8.93 million passengers, exceeding its designed capacity of around 7.5 million annually. The airport, which operates with a single runway and a terminal complex that has expanded slowly over time, is facing circulation and space constraints.
“Traffic forecasts developed as part of the study project sustained long-term growth between 2025 and 2045. Passenger volumes are expected to increase from 8.93 million to approximately 22.31 million during the forecast period, representing an average growth rate of 4.6%. Air cargo volumes are also predicted to rise significantly, growing from 407,214 tonnes in 2025 to around 860,400 tonnes by 2045. Assessments comparing future demand with current infrastructure highlight capacity shortfalls across airside, terminal and landside operations. Key constraints include limited runway capacity, insufficient aircraft stands and apron space, congestion in passenger terminals and growing road traffic affecting airport access,” reported International Airport Review.
Now, the first phase of the development programme will focus on optimising existing infrastructure. Planned improvements, during this particular stage, include runway upgradation and construction of a partial parallel taxiway to improve the overall airfield circulation. Two rapid exit taxiways, along with a runway end exit taxiway, will also be developed to reduce runway occupancy time, which in turn will increase overall aircraft movement efficiency.
“Additional short-term improvements will target passenger processing systems and terminal operations. The airport plans to reconfigure and selectively expand existing terminal facilities to alleviate bottlenecks and improve passenger flow. Digital modernisation will also be introduced across check-in, security screening, immigration and baggage handling processes to improve service levels and operational efficiency. Vehicle parking areas and access routes within the airport precinct will also be optimised to improve circulation and accessibility for passengers and airport users,” International Airport Review concluded.