By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, 24 June 2026 - The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting airlines and maintaining seamless operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as the airport's ambitious modernization programme enters the active contract phase.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika chaired a consultative meeting with the Airport Operations Committee (AOC), led by Chairman John Nalianya, who also serves as Kenya Airways' Ground Operations Manager, to review progress on the modernization project and discuss measures to enhance operational efficiency at the country's main aviation gateway.
The meeting forms part of ongoing engagements between the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development and key industry stakeholders aimed at ensuring smooth airport operations during the implementation of the upgrade programme.
The Airport Operations Committee serves as the main coordination platform bringing together airlines, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA).
During the discussions, stakeholders reviewed strategies to minimize disruptions to passengers and airlines as modernization works commence, while maintaining high standards of service delivery and operational performance.
Mbaika reiterated the government's commitment to the successful execution of the project, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among aviation stakeholders to ensure JKIA remains fully operational throughout the construction period.
The meeting also addressed critical operational areas including immigration services, check-in systems, safety and security measures, with participants underscoring the need for enhanced inter-agency coordination to improve passenger experience and strengthen operational resilience.
The consultations come a day after the signing of the contract for the JKIA Modernization Project, a major milestone in the transformation of Kenya's largest airport.
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The contract was signed by PS Mbaika and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) General Manager Yu Xiaodong in the presence of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, KAA Managing Director Moses Wekesa and other senior government and industry officials.
According to KAA, the project is anchored on the JKIA Master Plan and is designed to significantly expand the airport's passenger handling capacity while modernizing critical infrastructure.
Upon completion, the upgrade will increase the capacity of the existing terminal from 7.5 million passengers annually to 12 million. A new terminal will add capacity for an additional 10 million passengers per year, bringing JKIA's total passenger handling capacity to 22 million annually.
Officials say the modernization project is critical to meeting growing passenger and cargo demand and will strengthen JKIA's position as East Africa's leading aviation hub.
The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development said it will continue engaging stakeholders throughout the implementation process to ensure the project delivers a modern, efficient and globally competitive airport that supports Kenya's economic growth and international connectivity.
The expansion is expected to enhance Kenya's status as a regional transport and logistics hub while improving the overall travel experience for millions of passengers who pass through JKIA each year.