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The Cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to revamp Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to meet global standards. This is aimed to boost tourism and solidify Nairobi’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The upgrade, part of the National Aviation Policy, will encompass the passenger terminal, runway, taxiways, aprons, and airside facilities. This expansion, the government said, is crucial to meet the projected surge in air traffic, with passenger numbers expected to reach 42.1 million by 2050.
“The decision to enhance JKIA’s capacity aligns with Kenya’s robust aviation sector,” the Cabinet stated. “This investment will ensure we can accommodate existing and future demand.”
The improved infrastructure is expected to significantly expand Kenya’s tourism base and attract foreign investment, further bolstered by the recent scrapping of visa requirements under the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program.
The upgrade comes after a series of negative incidents at JKIA, including leaking roofs, flooded runways, and power outages, which drew international attention and disrupted airport operations.
“This development,” the Cabinet emphasized, “signals Kenya’s continued efforts to open its doors to the world.”
The announcement follows Kenya’s successful hosting of international events and anticipates several more conferences in the coming months, including the BlueInvest Forum in July and the World Congress of the International Union of Forest Research Organisation in August.
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