Kenya has signed a landmark $1.2 billion agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to expand and modernize Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, reviving one of the country’s most important infrastructure projects after months of uncertainty.
The deal marks a major step forward in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its aviation sector and maintain Nairobi’s status as East Africa’s primary gateway for international travel, trade, and investment. The expansion project is expected to significantly increase the airport’s capacity while enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.
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Kenya’s Transport Minister, Davis Chirchir, confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, noting that the government had already appointed the Trade and Development Bank (TDB) and the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) to arrange financing for the ambitious project.
Once completed, the modernization initiative is expected to nearly triple the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from its current levels to approximately 22 million passengers. The project includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art passenger terminal, as well as the rehabilitation and expansion of existing runways, taxiways, and aircraft aprons.
The investment comes at a critical time for Kenya’s aviation industry. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as the country’s largest and busiest airport and is a key hub for regional and international airlines operating across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Increased capacity is expected to support growing passenger traffic, cargo operations, and tourism arrivals while strengthening Nairobi’s position as a strategic aviation center on the continent.
The latest agreement follows the cancellation of a previous airport expansion deal involving India’s Adani Group. In November 2024, the Kenyan government halted the project after the United States announced bribery and fraud indictments against the conglomerate’s founder, Gautam Adani. The cancellation forced authorities to seek alternative partners and financing arrangements to move the project forward.
By securing a new partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation, Kenya is signaling its determination to proceed with critical infrastructure investments despite earlier setbacks. CRBC has extensive experience across Africa, having participated in major transport and infrastructure projects including highways, bridges, railways, and port developments.
Industry analysts view the airport expansion as essential for sustaining Kenya’s long-term economic growth ambitions. The aviation sector plays a crucial role in supporting tourism, international business, trade logistics, and foreign investment. Improved airport infrastructure is expected to create jobs during construction and enhance the country’s attractiveness as a destination for global investors and travelers.
The project also reflects increasing competition among East African nations to establish themselves as leading aviation and logistics hubs. Rwanda and Ethiopia have accelerated investments in airport infrastructure and national airline expansion in recent years, seeking to attract more airlines, transit passengers, and international business activity.
Ethiopia, through its national carrier Ethiopian Airlines and the expansion of aviation infrastructure in Addis Ababa, has emerged as one of Africa’s strongest aviation players. Rwanda has similarly invested heavily in airport development and aviation partnerships as part of its broader strategy to position Kigali as a regional transportation and business center.
Against this backdrop, Kenya’s decision to revive and accelerate the JKIA expansion project underscores the strategic importance of aviation infrastructure in driving economic competitiveness and regional connectivity. Government officials believe the upgraded airport will not only accommodate future growth in passenger numbers but also strengthen Kenya’s role as a gateway connecting Africa to global markets.
As construction preparations move forward, stakeholders across the aviation, tourism, and business sectors will be watching closely to see how the project reshapes the future of air travel in East Africa and reinforces Nairobi’s standing among Africa’s leading transportation hubs.
