The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has dismissed claims that the government secretly hired the controversial Adani Group to carry out the modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
In a statement released on Tuesday, KAA clarified that the privately proposed plan previously associated with the Adani Group was formally cancelled. The authority confirmed that there are currently no negotiations or discussions with the company or its affiliates regarding the airport project.
KAA stated that the JKIA modernization and expansion programme remains fully government-funded and will proceed strictly under public procurement laws and established public-sector procedures.
The authority added that any reports suggesting secret agreements or undisclosed dealings with the Adani Group are misleading and lack factual support.
“The JKIA modernization and expansion programme is a Government of Kenya-funded initiative and implemented in accordance with established public-sector policies and procedures,” KAA said in a statement signed by its acting CEO, Mohamud Gedi.
“The Authority remains committed to transparency and will continue to keep stakeholders and the public informed,” the statement added.
The clarification comes after reports highlighted that, despite plans for modernization set to begin in June this year, the government has not yet released key details on the funding framework or tendering process for the rehabilitation works, which are expected to cost billions of shillings.
KAA reiterated that the ongoing infrastructure upgrades at JKIA aim to improve passenger experience and boost operational efficiency, aligning with Kenya’s broader aviation growth strategy.
The JKIA expansion is expected to boost the airport’s capacity from 7.5 million to 12 million passengers annually, with plans for a new terminal that could eventually handle up to 15 million passengers per year.
At the heart of the project is an X-shaped passenger terminal, with the first phase designed to accommodate 10 million travelers. The terminal will include four piers and a central processing hall to efficiently separate domestic and international passenger flows.
A long-awaited 4.8-kilometer second runway is expected to be completed by June 2027. This will allow simultaneous take-offs and landings, addressing the airport’s historic single-runway limitation that has previously forced full operational shutdowns during minor incidents.
The project also envisions an Airport City, modeled on major international hubs. This development will feature hotels, logistics parks, and commercial zones, creating new revenue streams beyond traditional aviation-related fees.
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