Adani’s Proposal to Revamp JKIA Unveiled

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has received a substantial investment proposal from Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) aimed at a comprehensive upgrade of Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The proposal, submitted under the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021, outlines plans for constructing a new passenger terminal, a second runway, and refurbishing existing facilities to enhance the airport’s infrastructure. AAHL, a prominent player in airport management with operations spanning seven airports in India and the ongoing development of Navi Mumbai’s new airport, is poised to inject significant capital into JKIA. The proposal aligns with the Kenyan government’s recent endorsement of a medium-term investment strategy designed to modernise the airport’s terminal, runway, taxiway, and apron.

JKIA, which commenced operations in 1978, has long been a critical asset in Kenya’s transportation infrastructure. However, the airport’s ageing facilities have become a bottleneck to regional competitiveness. The proposed upgrades are seen as essential to maintaining and enhancing JKIA’s status as a pivotal hub in East Africa. In light of the current manual processing of services such as bookings, check-ins, and boarding—which has led to prolonged delays and lengthy queues—the Kenyan Ministry of Transport has urged passengers to cooperate with airport staff during the transition period. The ministry reassured that efforts are being made to minimise disruptions and uphold traveller convenience.

The investment proposal from AAHL will undergo rigorous evaluation, including technical, financial, and legal reviews, as stipulated by the Public Private Partnerships Act 2021. This process will also involve stakeholder consultations, approvals from the National Treasury, clearance from the Attorney General, and endorsement from the Cabinet. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of JKIA has assured that the expansion will not jeopardise existing jobs. Instead, the development is expected to create additional business opportunities and bring substantial benefits to the airport community.