Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has revealed that the government will break ground on a new, modern airport within the next two months as part of a fresh push to upgrade Kenya’s aviation infrastructure.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kindiki reiterated the urgency of boosting the country’s transport facilities, noting that Kenya has made significant progress in roads, electricity, and other sectors but still lacks a world-class airport.
“We are doing well in many things but we do not have a good airport. So in the next two months we are starting to build a modern airport because the one that exists there was built by our forefathers,” he said.
“Next time you come in Nairobi, you will find something different.”
“Tuwache Upuzi”: Ruto Calls for Urgent Airport Upgrade
His remarks come just weeks after President William Ruto defended his administration’s plan to overhaul the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), dismissing claims that the government intends to sell the country’s main gateway.
Ruto previously described the current state of JKIA as unacceptable, stressing that several sections have deteriorated to the point of relying on temporary fixes. He maintained that the facility now requires massive investment and a long-term upgrade.
The President explained that the government aims to raise about Ksh200 billion through partnerships with private investors, adopting a public-private model similar to Qatar’s approach in financing Rwanda’s international airport.
“We need to build a new airport, tuwache upuzi! We need to build a new airport, friends, honestly. What do we have at JKIA, canvas on the runway? People are saying that I want to sell the airport; sell it for what purpose?” Ruto said.
He added that his talks in Doha with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, focused on possible collaboration to modernise JKIA and support Kenya Airways.
“The kind of investment JKIA needs is around Sh200 billion. Kenya doesn’t have to use public funds; this can be achieved through the private sector,” the President said.
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