Digital content creator Liz Jackson has reignited an online debate over the state of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport calling on the need to modernise Kenya’s main international gateways.
Posting on her Instagram page after sharing a picture of the aerial view of JKIA, Liz highlighted the need to build another airport from scratch for citizens to achieve competitive and modern airport.
“I think building a new Airport from scratch is practical.JKIA can be modernized but we need a bigger Airport with enough space for future expansion.” she said.
She added that she does not understand why other countries she has visited have airports far from the city unlike Kenya.
Her comments drew online attention with some supporting her idea while others highlighting to focus on developing other critical areas.
For instance, @tripsaa said, “Looks like a local airport, we need an upgrade ASAP.”
Another follower, @trev.vor.404 attributed the current state of the airport to debts saying they are the things we need to fix fast.
“It sound good and I would also like that, but we all know our country. The debts and all things that need to be fixed. Building an airport from scratch will cost billions of dollars which means more debts. Renovation is the better option.”
However, @hon.sagana gave a balanced response, noting that the plan is underway and it’s two-phased as the country plans to strengthen its aviation activities.
“Its two-phased. They are upgrading the old one and at the same time they are doing a new airport. Will send you the renders.”
Her comments come when the country is advancing plans to transform JKIA. The Ministry of Roads and Transport’s 2026 JKIA master plan proposes phased development aimed at increasing the airports capacity while upgrading passenger and airport operations.
The plan assesses infrastructure requirements for passenger demand of 20 million passengers annually in the first phase and 25 million in a subsequent phase.
The need to modernise JKIA comes amid Kenya’s ambition to strengthen its position as an aviation and commercial hub of Africa.
However, the expansion and modernisation will become increasingly urgent if the country wants to keep pace with regional and international developments.
