Government, KAA intensifies Airport modernisation to boost regional connectivity

The Government Delivery Unit (GDU) has stepped up oversight on the modernisation of Kenya’s airports and airstrips in a renewed push to strengthen regional connectivity and position the country as an aviation hub in Africa.

Acting Head of the GDU, Mr. Olando Sitati, on Thursday led a team of officers in a meeting with senior managers from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), led by Acting Managing Director Mr. Abraham Kiprutto and General Manager for Projects and Engineering Eng. Meshack Ochieng.

The session reviewed progress on priority airport and airstrip projects spread across all regions, forming part of the National Government’s promise to upgrade air transport infrastructure under President William Ruto’s transformation agenda, anchored in Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).  

“Modern and efficient airports are key to positioning Kenya as a first-class economy by 2050,” said Mr. Sitati, reaffirming the government’s commitment to timely and impactful delivery of flagship infrastructure projects.

At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), key projects include installation of modern passenger boarding bridges and ground-handling equipment by June 2026, construction of a new runway by June 2027, and a world-class passenger terminal by 2029. The upgrades are expected to enhance passenger experience, improve cargo handling, and reinforce JKIA’s role as a regional aviation hub.

The GDU and KAA teams also assessed the status of ongoing and planned works at several regional airstrips, including Kabunde, Lichota, Suneka, Malindi, Ukunda, Voi, Ikanga, Lokichoggio, Narok, Kilgoris, Bomet, Kerenga, Lanet, Garissa, Mandera, Elwak, Itugururu, Mitunguu, Nanyuki, Kakamega, Matulo, Busia, and Ithookwe.

Other major developments include the extension of the Eldoret International Airport runway to 3.5 kilometres to handle larger aircraft, widening of the Kisumu International Airport runway, rehabilitation of Moi International Airport airside grounds, and the expansion of the Malindi International Airport runway to 2.5 kilometres.

KAA has also identified a new site for the proposed Busia Airstrip, while plans are underway to upgrade the Boma, Elwak, Aldas, Kanyonyo, and Nyaribo airstrips.

According to the GDU, these high-impact investments are expected to enhance mobility, create jobs, attract investors, and decentralize aviation training across the country, thus driving Kenya’s vision for inclusive, modern, and sustainable growth.

 “These high-impact investments will connect regions, stimulate trade, and help Kenya realise its ambition of becoming a first-class economy by 2050.