The government has announced a bold initiative to rehabilitate and modernise Wilson Airport, which is Kenya’s busiest domestic airport, to address the concern about the deteriorating infrastructure and the ageing facilities and aviation safety at the airport.

Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation and Housing on Friday, June 26, 2026, Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika, outlined a series of ongoing and planned interventions aimed at restoring the airport to international safety standards while expanding its operational capacity.

She revealed that the plan involves building a new passenger terminal on the site to replace the current terminal, which now services around 800,000 passengers each year, and was designed to accommodate just 20,000 passengers annually.

“A new master plan for Wilson Airport is in its final stages and will guide the airport’s long-term expansion and modernisation. Plans include the construction of a new passenger terminal to replace the current facility, which was designed to handle only 20,000 passengers annually but now serves approximately 800,000 passengers each year,” Mbaika said.

The principal secretary noted that Wilson Airport was initially built for smaller Code B aircraft and now operates larger Code C aircraft, putting pressure on its ageing facilities. A number of years of higher levels of air traffic, smaller budgets and a delay in procurement were cited by her as the reason for the decline.

Runways, Taxiways and Aprons set for upgrade

One of the near-term measures will be the rehabilitation of runway 07/25 that’s been closed for resurfacing and repair. The second runway, 14/32, will be completely rehabilitated once the works are finished, which will involve widening, strengthening the pavement and extending it to increase operational safety for the airport.

The PS also noted that the Kenya Airports Authority has also procured funds for the rehabilitation of the taxiways and aircraft parking aprons, many of which are cracked and uneven surfaces caused by old age and heavy usage. An extra taxiway is currently being built to facilitate aircraft circulation and alleviate congestion.

New passenger terminal to be built

Mbaika revealed that a new master plan for Wilson Airport is being finalised and will form the basis for the airport for the long term.

Safety measures

The Ministry had confirmed to the senators that all the safety-critical systems in the airport are in working order, despite the old infrastructure.

The airport is currently operating Category 5 fire and rescue facilities with a large foam tender, ambulance and command vehicle. The backup power systems and air traffic control services are also normal, making airport operations safe.

The government also expressed concern at the increasing urbanisation and development around the airport.

The PS noted that the ministry says a recent survey revealed that there are numerous buildings that are built beyond their approved height in the South C, Nairobi West and Lang’ata areas that have also encroached into protected flight paths.

“The structures are a great danger to aircraft when they are taking off and landing, and regulatory steps will be taken against any development that is not meeting aviation safety requirements,” Mbaika added.

Investigations into flight accidents

As regards aviation safety, Mbaika confirmed that investigations of recent aircraft accidents, including the March 20, 2026, Safarilink accident at Wilson Airport, continue.

She said the recommendations from the investigations will now be acted upon by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to further enhance safety measures and stop such incidents from happening again.

The government maintained its support to safeguard Wilson Airport as a national aviation strategic asset and a key gateway for domestic and regional air transport.

Some of the factors that will ensure the airport continues to operate safely, efficiently and continue to serve Kenya’s aviation needs are sustained investments, collaboration between various agencies and the strict enforcement of aviation regulations, officials stressed.

The Senate’s session came after Senator Godfrey Osotsi asked for a statement on the safety of the airport following a landing incident he had been in with a plane at Wilson Airport.