By Suleiman Mbatiah
The government has intensified the modernisation of airports and airstrips across the country in a renewed effort to boost regional connectivity and cement Kenya’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation hub.
On Friday, Acting Head of the Government Delivery Unit (GDU) Olando Sitati led a team in a meeting with senior officials from the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), among them Acting Managing Director Abraham Kiprutto and General Manager for Projects and Engineering Meshack Ochieng.
The meeting reviewed progress on priority projects being implemented under President William Ruto’s transformation agenda, anchored in Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
“Modern and efficient airports are key to positioning Kenya as a first-class economy by 2050,” Mr Sitati said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to timely delivery of major infrastructure projects.
At Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), ongoing works include the installation of new passenger boarding bridges and ground-handling equipment by June 2026, construction of a new runway by June 2027, and a new passenger terminal by 2029. The upgrades are expected to enhance passenger experience, boost cargo operations and reinforce JKIA’s role as a regional aviation hub.
The GDU and KAA teams also reviewed the status of ongoing and planned works at airstrips in Kabunde, Lichota, Suneka, Malindi, Ukunda, Voi, Ikanga, Lokichoggio, Narok, Kilgoris, Bomet, Kerenga, Lanet, Garissa, Mandera, Elwak, Itugururu, Mitunguu, Nanyuki, Kakamega, Matulo, Busia and Ithookwe.
Other major projects include extending the Eldoret International Airport runway to 3.5 kilometres to handle larger aircraft, widening the Kisumu International Airport runway, rehabilitating Moi International Airport’s airside grounds, and expanding the Malindi International Airport runway to 2.5 kilometres.
KAA has also identified a new site for the proposed Busia Airstrip, while plans are underway to upgrade the Boma, Elwak, Aldas, Kanyonyo and Nyaribo airstrips.
According to the GDU, the investments will enhance connectivity, create jobs, attract investors and open up new economic opportunities in the regions.
“These projects will connect communities, spur trade and help Kenya realise its goal of becoming a first-class economy by 2050,” Mr Sitati said.