NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 31 — The construction of a new airport at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will anchor the government’s flagship infrastructure priorities in 2026, President William Ruto has said.
The projects form part of a broader push to scale up transport, logistics and irrigation infrastructure as the administration seeks to position Kenya as a regional trade and investment hub while lowering the cost of doing business.
President Ruto, delivering his New Year address from Eldoret on Wednesday, said the government will fast-track ongoing road works and roll out new highways to support economic activity across the country.
“We will accelerate the tarmacking of the 6,000 kilometres of roads already contracted and underway across the country, including the Rironi–Mau Summit road, which will be completed and open to traffic by mid-2027,” he said.
The Head of State also announced the commencement of a new SGR corridor linking Naivasha to western Kenya and the broader region, alongside major irrigation investments aimed at boosting agricultural productivity.
“We will also begin the construction of a modern, world-class airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and to boost our trade and tourism sectors,” Ruto said.
Failed JKIA facelift
The JKIA expansion has previously stalled following the cancellation of a proposed public-private partnership involving India’s Adani Group, which was expected to finance and develop a new passenger terminal and associated facilities.
The termination of the deal left the airport’s expansion plans in limbo amid concerns over the procurement structure and financing terms, forcing the government to reassess its approach.
The government now says reviving the JKIA expansion is critical as passenger traffic rebounds and cargo volumes grow, driven by exports of horticulture, pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods.
JKIA is already operating near capacity during peak hours, raising concerns over efficiency and regional competitiveness.
The proposed SGR extension — linking Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba — is expected to strengthen Kenya’s role as a logistics gateway to East and Central Africa.
Meanwhile, the Galana-Kulalu dam and expanded irrigation schemes are intended to support food security and spur agro-industrial growth.
