President William Ruto's administration is actively courting Qatar for a KSh 200 billion investment to fund a comprehensive overhaul of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). The proposal was formally presented by President Ruto to Qatar's Emir, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during a visit to Doha on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. This initiative seeks to address long-standing infrastructural deficiencies and expand the airport's capacity to meet future demand.

Speaking to the Kenyan diaspora in Qatar, President Ruto confirmed the discussions, stating, “The kind of investment we need in our airport is possibly almost KSh 200 billion. We do not have to put our money; we have money in the private sector that can do it.” The proposed partnership model may mirror Qatar's 60% stake in the development of Rwanda's Bugesera International Airport, a project valued at $1.3 billion.

Addressing Critical Infrastructure Failures

The push for a strategic partner comes as JKIA, East Africa's busiest airport, grapples with significant operational challenges that have drawn public criticism. In recent years, the facility has been plagued by leaking roofs in its main terminals, particularly during heavy rains, an issue the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) has attributed to a decade of under-investment and the use of temporary fixes as permanent solutions. Recurrent power outages have also plunged the airport into darkness, raising security and safety concerns for a facility with Category One status, which permits direct flights to the United States.

According to government documents, JKIA is already operating beyond its design capacity of seven million passengers, having handled 8.7 million passengers in the last financial year. Projections indicate traffic could soar to 31 million by 2055, with its single runway expected to reach saturation by 2035, making expansion an urgent priority.

The Proposed Expansion Plan

The ambitious upgrade, estimated to cost around $1.63 billion (KSh 206 billion), is expected to involve the construction of a new, modern terminal with a capacity to handle 20 million passengers annually, a second runway to increase airfield capacity, and upgrades to existing facilities. Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has previously stated that a new terminal could be completed within three years. The comprehensive plan also includes modernizing baggage handling systems, improving drainage, and installing new navigation equipment.

The Kenyan government has been exploring various financing options. Prior to the Qatari proposal, discussions had been held with several international development lenders, including the African Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the China Exim Bank. The current strategy represents a pivot towards securing a strategic partner capable of providing the substantial capital required.

Implications for Kenya and East Africa

A modernized and expanded JKIA is central to Kenya's ambition to cement its position as the leading aviation and economic hub in East Africa. The project is projected to create over 32,000 jobs during and after construction and provide a significant boost to key economic sectors. An upgraded airport would enhance tourism by accommodating more international flights and improving the visitor experience. Furthermore, it would improve logistics for Kenya's major exports, particularly horticultural products, by increasing cargo capacity and efficiency.

The potential partnership with Qatar builds on strengthening bilateral ties. Kenya Airways and Qatar Airways recently expanded a codeshare agreement to enhance connectivity between Africa and the Middle East. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), has been actively seeking to diversify its portfolio with strategic investments in African infrastructure. This proposal aligns with both Kenya's urgent infrastructure needs and Qatar's long-term global investment strategy.

While the proposal has been made, official confirmation of a formal agreement from the Qatari government is pending further negotiations. The successful execution of this project would be a transformative development for Kenya's infrastructure and its role in the regional economy.