The African Development bank (AfDB) approved a US$160-million loan for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Kenya yesterday (Wednesday).
The expansion involves the construction of a second runway, 4.9 kilometres long, to International Civil Aviation Organisation Category II standards, including connecting taxiways and additional parking for aircraft.
“The second runway will support more air traffic, facilitate increased tourism and business travel, and expedite two-way cargo traffic,” said AfDB director of Infrastructure, Cities and Urban Development, Amadou Oumarou.
According to AfDB spokesperson Felix Njoku, the project will improve the reliability of air transport to and from JKIA by reducing delays at peak hours and costly flight diversions that impede the airport’s operational efficiency.
“The project will enhance regional integration and expand international trade via improved air connectivity, as well as facilitate high-value exports and imports, increase tourist earnings and advance Kenya’s economy towards the middle income status,” he said.
Njoku added that the increased air capacity was expected to increase access for Kenyan floricultural produce to new markets.
Tourism and business travel is expected to grow by 4.2% annually, with two-way cargo traffic projected to grow by 5.1%, between 2026 and 2052.
