Time flies with great content! Renew in to keep enjoying all our premium content.
Sustainability must take centre stage in JKIA modernisation plan
Passengers exit with their valuables at the International Arrival Terminal 1A at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) during a media tour of the passenger clearance process at the Airport on November 7, 2023.
The expansion of JKIA represents a strategic investment in Kenya’s future. Imagine a scenario where JKIA offers world-class transit experiences comparable to hubs like Dubai International Airport or Istanbul Airport.
Reduced transit times, seamless connections, and efficient cargo handling would not only elevate its status but also attract more passengers and cargo operators, reinforcing Nairobi’s position as Africa’s aviation gateway.
The ripple effects of a modernised JKIA extend far beyond aviation. Airports are magnets for urban development.
Expanded facilities would transform Nairobi into an even more attractive hub for multinational corporations, international conferences, and high-value tourism. Real estate, hospitality, and retail sectors would flourish, enhancing Kenya’s economic growth trajectory even further.
Around the world, airports have catalysed the development of smart cities—integrated urban areas leveraging technology, sustainability, and connectivity.
Examples include Dubai South, built around Al Maktoum International Airport and which is designed to accommodate businesses, residences, and logistics centres in a seamless ecosystem.
Consider Nairobi’s potential as a launchpad for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) that brings together 1.3 billion people in a single market. Efficient air connectivity will be the linchpin of this trade bloc.
A modern JKIA would therefore position Kenya as the preferred transit hub for intra-African trade and travel. As JKIA undergoes its much-needed transformation, sustainability must take center stage.
Airports like Changi in Singapore and Oslo in Norway lead the way with energy-efficient lighting, solar power generation, and advanced waste management systems. JKIA can—and should—adopt similar innovations, aligning with global climate goals and reducing its carbon footprint.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a competitive advantage. By integrating green technologies, JKIA can attract environmentally conscious travellers and businesses while enhancing its global reputation.
This commitment to sustainability would also reinforce Kenya’s leadership in environmental stewardship.
JKIA’s expansion isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. The stakes are high, and the window for action is narrowing. By addressing capacity constraints, embracing sustainability, and aligning with KQ’s strategic vision, JKIA can secure its place as Africa’s aviation crown jewel.
This isn’t just about meeting today’s demands; it’s about future-proofing one of Kenya’s economic engines.
The writer is the Group Managing Director and CEO of Kenya Airways