Speaking on Saturday, January 17, 2026, during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) grassroots leaders’ meeting in Nyeri, the President said the project had suffered prolonged delays but would finally take off within the next few months.
“The airport that has been a problem in this country will start being built by the fourth or fifth month of this year,” Ruto said.
“We must change this country, and this is part of that transformation.”
The President underscored that the proposed airport is designed to position Kenya as a regional aviation hub while easing congestion at the overstretched Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), which currently handles the bulk of international passenger and cargo traffic.
The new airport project gained urgency following the collapse of the controversial Adani-backed JKIA expansion deal in 2024, which stalled plans to increase capacity at the existing facility. The government has since opted to pursue a completely new airport as a long-term solution.
Although the final location is yet to be officially confirmed, sources familiar with the project indicate that the airport is proposed to be built at Konza Technopolis, south of Nairobi.
The development is expected to include multiple passenger terminals, new runways, expanded aircraft parking bays, and modern cargo handling facilities.
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately Ksh264 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure undertakings in Kenya’s history.
President Ruto dismissed claims that major government projects are concentrated in specific regions, insisting that development efforts are being implemented across the country.
“These projects are not for one region or one community,” he said. “They are happening in Nyeri, at the Coast, across Mt Kenya, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, Nyanza, and North Eastern Kenya.”
The Head of State said Kenya’s ambition to attain first-world status depends heavily on large-scale investments in infrastructure that support trade, mobility, and economic growth.
Beyond the airport project, Ruto highlighted other flagship developments underway or scheduled to begin in the coming months.
The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately Ksh264 billion, making it one of the most expensive infrastructure undertakings in Kenya’s history.
President Ruto dismissed claims that major government projects are concentrated in specific regions, insisting that development efforts are being implemented across the country.
“These projects are not for one region or one community,” he said. “They are happening in Nyeri, at the Coast, across Mt Kenya, Rift Valley, Western Kenya, Nyanza, and North Eastern Kenya.”
The Head of State said Kenya’s ambition to attain first-world status depends heavily on large-scale investments in infrastructure that support trade, mobility, and economic growth.
Beyond the airport project, Ruto highlighted other flagship developments underway or scheduled to begin in the coming months.
Among them is the construction of a 700-kilometre highway linking Isiolo to Mandera, a project aimed at opening up North Eastern Kenya and enhancing security, trade, and regional integration.
“The Isiolo–Mandera highway will unlock economic potential in North Eastern Kenya and connect the region more effectively to the rest of the country,” the President said.
Ruto also confirmed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), revealing that construction of the long-awaited Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba line will begin in February 2026.
“Next month, I will launch the construction of the railway line from Naivasha to Kisumu, then to Malaba and finally to Uganda,” he said.
The SGR extension is expected to strengthen Kenya’s role as a transport corridor for East Africa, facilitating faster movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to inland markets and neighbouring countries.
Government officials say the combined impact of the new airport, highway expansion, and railway extension will significantly reduce logistics costs, attract foreign investment, and create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
However, the ambitious infrastructure push comes amid concerns over public debt and financing.
“The Isiolo–Mandera highway will unlock economic potential in North Eastern Kenya and connect the region more effectively to the rest of the country,” the President said.
Ruto also confirmed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), revealing that construction of the long-awaited Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba line will begin in February 2026.
“Next month, I will launch the construction of the railway line from Naivasha to Kisumu, then to Malaba and finally to Uganda,” he said.
The SGR extension is expected to strengthen Kenya’s role as a transport corridor for East Africa, facilitating faster movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to inland markets and neighbouring countries.
Government officials say the combined impact of the new airport, highway expansion, and railway extension will significantly reduce logistics costs, attract foreign investment, and create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
However, the ambitious infrastructure push comes amid concerns over public debt and financing.
