Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Kenya has signed a KES 154.2 billion (USD 1.2 billion) agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, marking a major step in the country's aviation infrastructure plans. The project aims to increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity from 7.5 million to 22 million passengers through the construction of a new terminal and upgrades to existing facilities. The development comes after Kenya scrapped a previous airport expansion agreement with India's Adani Group last year and is part of the country's broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leading aviation hub in East Africa.
Kenya has entered into a KES 154.2 billion (USD 1.2 billion) agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, according to Transport Minister Davis Chirchir.
The project is expected to significantly increase the airport's capacity, with plans to raise annual passenger traffic handling capabilities to 22 million passengers from the current 7.5 million. The expansion is intended to support growing air travel demand and improve the country's aviation infrastructure.
The transport minister stated through a post on X that the project would include the construction of a new terminal building along with supporting facilities. It will also involve the modernization and upgrading of existing infrastructure and improvements to both airside and landside airport operations.
The agreement follows the cancellation of an earlier airport expansion arrangement involving India's Adani Group. Kenya had terminated that 2024 agreement last year after legal developments in the United States involving the group's founder prompted a review of the project.
Airport modernization has become a key priority for Kenya as it seeks to retain its position as one of East Africa's leading aviation gateways. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as the country's main international airport and a major transit hub connecting Africa with destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The expansion also comes at a time when regional competition is increasing. Countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda have been investing heavily in new airport infrastructure and expansion projects to attract more airlines, passengers, and international connectivity.
In recent days, Chirchir said the Kenyan government had appointed Africa's Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation to arrange financing for the airport project. The involvement of the two institutions is expected to support the project's funding structure and facilitate its implementation.
Once completed, the expanded airport is expected to improve passenger handling efficiency, strengthen Nairobi's role as a regional transport hub, and support growth in tourism, trade, and business travel across the region.
Source Reuters
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
