The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) modernization project continues to evolve under a revised government-led framework,. The project aimed at delivering a multi-billion-dollar aviation upgrade in Nairobi, Kenya. Earlier plans outlined a modernization program valued at approximately $2 billion (KSh264 billion), featuring a new state-of-the-art passenger terminal and a second runway. The groundbreaking was initially targeted before the end of 2025. Those plans followed the cancellation of a prior concession arrangement with the Adani Group in late 2024, prompting authorities to restructure the delivery model.

Current Status of the JKIA Modernization Project

As of March 4, 2026, the project is not complete, and full-scale construction has not yet commenced. Instead, the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), finalized an Integrated Master Plan and Feasibility Study in February 2026, establishing a phased development roadmap.

On March 3, 2026, KAA formally issued a tender for the design, development, and modernization of a new passenger terminal. The proposed facility will initially accommodate an additional 10 million passengers annually. Moreover, phased expansion capacity of will go up to 15 million. The tender also covers upgrades to existing infrastructure, including runway enhancements, taxiways, aprons, air traffic control systems, cargo handling facilities, and related support services.

Currently, JKIA’s original design capacity stands at approximately 7.5 million passengers per year, yet annual traffic has already surpassed that threshold. Consequently, the phased strategy prioritizes urgent capacity relief while aligning long-term expansion with projected demand exceeding 22 million passengers by 2045.

Authorities anticipate that, following bid evaluation and award processes, construction could commence around May 2026, subject to procurement timelines. However, no contractor has been appointed, and the project remains firmly in the competitive tender stage.

The announcement comes after the government decided to cancel the JKIA expansion contract with Adani Group. This cancellation was due to controversial clauses that were present in the contract and had been shrouded in secrecy.

The revised government-led approach JKIA Expansion Project Plan Shifts into High Gear after Adani Deal Collapse, now advances these ambitions through phased construction, public-sector procurement, and broader Airport City and EPZ plans.

Project Factsheet

Total cost: The proposed Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Expansion is estimated to cost approximately $2 billion (KSh 264 billion).

Funding model: The government of Kenya wants to utilize the Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) due to fiscal constraints.

Potential financiers: potential financiers of the project include European Investment Bank, KfW, and French Development Bank. Also, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and China Exim Bank could fund the project.

Timeline:

• Groundbreaking: The government of Kenya intends to break ground for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Expansion Project before the end of 2025.
• Completion of the new terminal: work on the new state-of-the-art terminal is expected to start later in 2025. It is expected to be completed by the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
• Second runway construction: according to an earlier appraisal report for the second runway, it is projected a construction period of 30 months.

President Ruto Cancels the Expansion Project with Adani

“In furtherance of principles that are enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution which emphasize on transparency and accountability, and based on the new information that is provided by investigative agencies and partner nations, I hereby therefore direct the cancellation of the ongoing procurement process for the JKIA-Adani airport deal. This directive will also go to the recently concluded Ketraco deal,” President Ruto made a statement on November 21, 2024.

The cancellation of the deal for the airport allowed the Ministry of Transport to look for other alternative financial solutions for funding the capital-intensive project.

Also read: Kenya’s New Airport Funding to be Provided by KAA Following Adani’s Fallout

Potential Financiers of the Project

The government has been engaging in talks with different development financial institutions. These funding institutions include the European Investment Bank, KfW, and the French Development Bank. Additionally, the government has been in talks with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and China Exim Bank. As for now, the government is still waiting for feedback on how to finance the JKIA Expansion Project using the airport’s balance sheet.

“We are really conscious about this. Keep in mind that our airport got burnt and is on a tent. Therefore, we are really conscious on this project. Also, we are working tirelessly to see that on a very tight timeline whether we can break ground before the end of this year,” said CS Chirchir.

Also read: Proposed Adani’s JKIA Terminal Designs

Significance of the Project

Once the project is completed, the Kenyan government argues that it will attract more airlines into the Kenyan capital. Therefore, this will make it easier for the national carrier to forge. This highlights the call for the government to intervene to curb capacity dumping through policy would only negatively affect Kenya.

Also read: $2 Billion Massive New Nairobi Airport to be Constructed in Kenya as Pressure Mounts on JKIA