President William Ruto has announced that the government has officially signed a contract for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), a landmark infrastructure project valued at approximately Ksh150 billion.
Speaking during the signing of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill at State House, Nairobi, the President said the project will be financed through an innovative model that leverages Ksh20 billion from the National Infrastructure Fund to attract private sector investment.
He emphasized that the initiative will not involve new taxes or additional public borrowing.
“The expansion of JKIA marks a major step in positioning Kenya as a regional aviation and logistics hub,” President Ruto said.
“Through strategic partnerships and prudent financial management, we are ensuring that this development is achieved sustainably and without burdening taxpayers.”
The expansion project is expected to modernize Kenya’s busiest airport, increasing passenger capacity, improving cargo handling facilities, and enhancing overall efficiency.
The government aims to transform JKIA into a world-class gateway capable of supporting the country’s growing trade, tourism, and investment sectors.
According to officials from the Ministry of Transport, the project will include the construction of new terminals, upgraded runways, and expanded parking and access infrastructure.
The works are set to begin later this year, with completion targeted within five years.
President Ruto noted that the financing model reflects his administration’s broader economic strategy of mobilizing private capital for public infrastructure through the Sovereign Wealth Fund and the National Infrastructure Fund.
“This approach allows us to deliver transformative projects while maintaining fiscal discipline,” he said. “It demonstrates that Kenya can achieve ambitious development goals through innovation and partnership.”
The JKIA expansion is part of the government’s Vision 2030 agenda to strengthen Kenya’s position as a key transport and investment hub in Africa.
