The government is preparing to launch the construction of a new airport within the next two months, a move Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says will mark a major step in Kenya’s push to modernise its transport network.
He said the country has improved many sectors but still lacks a modern airport that reflects the growth Kenya is working toward.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kindiki explained that the new facility is meant to replace old infrastructure that has served the country for decades.
“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.”
He noted that the government is aiming to raise Kenya to first-world standards over the next 20 to 30 years, and the airport project is part of that wider plan.
The announcement comes as President William Ruto continues to push for the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, saying its current state calls for a complete overhaul.
In November, he rejected claims that his government wants to sell JKIA, insisting the intention is to improve it through a new investment model.
Ruto said some parts of JKIA have deteriorated so much that they depend on patch-up work, and that the government is working with private partners to source close to Sh200 billion for a full upgrade.
“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?” he said.
He revealed that his talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha centred on ways to partner on the JKIA project and support Kenya Airways through a public-private partnership.
“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.
Ruto also outlined plans to improve other major transport routes, saying the government will extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and later to Malaba starting January 2026.
He said the extension will connect key towns and strengthen Kenya’s role in East Africa’s transport chain.
“We will expand and upgrade our airports and ports, and beginning in January 2026," he said.
"We shall extend the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and onward to Malaba, closing the loop, connecting the region, and positioning Kenya as the heart of East Africa’s transport and logistics system."
According to Ruto, the government intends to modernise airports, ports, highways and the entire railway corridor to ease travel and support regional trade.
“These infrastructure efforts will boost competitiveness, lower business costs, and connect Kenya more efficiently to regional and global markets,” he said.
He added that the National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund will be used to support these projects, reducing reliance on loans.
“This approach will reduce our dependence on debt and build long-term national wealth for generations to come,” he said.
Ruto said the investment plan fits within the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which aims to expand industries, spur economic growth and create jobs for Kenyans.
