Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government will begin constructing a new airport in 2026, citing the urgent need for a modern facility to match the country’s development goals.
Addressing residents on Tuesday, December 2, Kindiki said the project is scheduled to kick off within the next two months.
He noted that while Kenya has made significant progress in areas such as road expansion and electrification, the existing airport infrastructure remains outdated and no longer meets current standards.
Kenya to Begin Construction of New Airport in 2026. Photo: Courtesy.
According to the Deputy President, the new airport will replace the long-serving facility built decades ago, positioning the region for improved connectivity and economic growth.
The DP did not specify where the new airport will be built, leaving the exact location undisclosed.
His remarks follow recent comments by President William Ruto, who stressed the urgent need for a new, modern airport to replace the ageing facilities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
While addressing an audience in Qatar on November 5, President Ruto expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of JKIA, arguing that the facility no longer meets the standards expected of a major international gateway.
He dismissed claims that he intended to privatise the airport, instead emphasizing the necessity of investing in a new, fully modernized aviation hub to support the country’s economic and infrastructural ambitions.
