JKIA to be a regional hub after modernisation, says Uhuru

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto Monday inspected the new terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Known as Terminal 4, which was test run last Friday, it has seven boarding bridges and will double JKIA’s annual passenger capacity.

The new terminal covers 178,000 square meters and will have 50 international and 10 domestic check-in points, 32 contact and 8 remote gates and an associated apron with 45 stands and linking taxiways.

On completion, the airport will be able to handle 20 million passengers a year and become a premier regional hub in the East African region and prolong its usefulness, said the President.

Uhuru congratulated the workers for a quality job and told them to ensure the facility was maintained to international standards.

“One year ago after the fire that destroyed the arrivals terminal, this project was launched. I am happy with the progress made one year later,” the President said.

He added,” the Airport is the gateway to Kenya and its maintenance should showcase the country.”

The Deputy President said the ongoing mordernisation projects at the airport will position JKIA as a true regional hub.

“We are truly proud to modernize our airport using our local resources,” said Ruto.

The President said plans are underway to modernize all airports in the country, as part of its effort to make the country a regional air transport hub.

The President disclosed that some the airport facilities earmarked for upgrading that including Suneka Airstrip and Mandera Airport.

The President also toured the temporary terminal 2 which is under construction.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau said the modernisation projects at JKIA are undertaken by nine contractors at a cost of Sh77.6 billion.