By Wilfridah Murenga
The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, is set to undergo a significant transformation following the approval of the Medium Term Investment Plan by the Cabinet.
This plan includes the upgrade of various essential facilities, which will not only enhance the airport’s capacity but also bring it in line with global aviation standards.
One of the key elements of the investment plan is the upgrade of the passenger terminal. This upgrade is vital as it will improve the overall passenger experience, streamline processes, and provide a more modern and efficient environment for travellers.
In addition to the passenger terminal upgrade, the plan also includes enhancement of the runway, taxiway, apron, and airsides facilities which is crucial in ensuring that JKIA meets the international safety and operational standards.
The cabinet also acknowledged that the aviation industry in Kenya is strong, emphasizing the need to strengthen the capabilities of Kenya’s international airports in order to cater to the current and anticipated increase in demand.
“The aviation ecosystem in Kenya is robust, but pointed out that it was imperative to enhance the capacity of Kenya’s international airports to meet existing and projected demand which is estimated to rise to the 42.1 million passengers a year by 2050,” noted the cabinet.
By modernizing these key airside facilities, the airport will be better equipped to handle larger aircraft, reduce congestion, and minimize delays, ultimately improving the overall efficiency of air traffic management.
JKIA, as East Africa’s largest and busiest aviation hub, plays a pivotal role in facilitating air travel, trade, and tourism within the region and beyond.
The improvements outlined in the Medium Term Investment Plan will also contribute to the country’s economic growth and development as it will attract investment and business opportunities.