Construction of new Airport to begin in July, Ruto reveals

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President William Ruto/PCS

‎President William Ruto has announced that construction of a new airport will begin in July, saying the government has secured the financing needed for the multibillion-shilling project aimed at modernising Kenya's aviation infrastructure.

‎Ruto said the current airport infrastructure, built decades ago, has long been overstretched and no longer meets the demands of a growing economy and rising passenger traffic.

‎“Our airport here was built in 1972. We tried to build another one, but there was a lot of noise. Right now, our airport canopy is on tarmac. We are embarrassed,” Ruto said.

‎He added that the government had already secured both the planning framework and financing arrangements needed to kick-start the project.

‎“I want to assure you that in July this year, we will begin constructing a new airport. We already have a plan, and we also have the money to build it because we want to transform Kenya,” he said.

‎Ruto made the remarks Friday during a meeting with grassroots leaders from across the country at State House, Nairobi, where he outlined a series of infrastructure and development priorities aimed at accelerating economic growth.

‎The President said Kenya’s transformation agenda is anchored on large-scale infrastructure projects that will modernise transport, improve efficiency and attract investment.

‎“Kenya is changing. Kenya is being transformed through development projects and deliberate planning,” he said.

‎According to the government's long-term aviation development strategy, JKIA expansion will be implemented in phases under a 20-year master plan running up to 2045.

The JKIA project follows months of procurement processes led by the Kenya Airports Authority and the State Department for Aviation, which invited international firms to submit designs and proposals for a new terminal and upgraded airport systems.

‎The announcement by the Head of State comes amid renewed government focus on upgrading key national infrastructure, including airports, roads, railways and energy systems, to support the country’s ambition of becoming a regional economic powerhouse.

‎The proposed new airport is expected to significantly expand capacity, ease congestion and improve Kenya’s competitiveness as an aviation hub in East and Central Africa.

‎As the current East Africa's busiest airport, JKIA serves as a key gateway for tourists, investors and international trade, handling millions of passengers and significant volumes of cargo annually.

‎The new facility will feature a modern terminal, expanded cargo handling capacity and upgraded passenger amenities designed to meet international standards.

‎Ruto said the decision to proceed with construction reflects the government’s commitment to long-term development planning despite past controversies and public debate surrounding major infrastructure projects.

‎He noted that Kenya cannot afford to lag behind in aviation infrastructure at a time when regional competition for trade, tourism and investment is intensifying.

‎“We must build for the future. We cannot continue operating with infrastructure that was designed for a different era,” he said.