Nairobi - Kenya, Africa

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is undertaking a comprehensive integrated master planning study for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and Wilson Airport (WAP) in Nairobi to respond to rapidly growing air travel demand and increasing regional competition. The study is focused on analysing long-term aviation demand and shaping strategic, integrated responses to capacity, connectivity, and infrastructure requirements over the next 20 years.

The master plans aim to guide the sustainable expansion of both airports while reinforcing Kenya’s position as a leading aviation hub and strategic gateway in Africa. The project also integrates landside and mobility planning to support freight and passenger movement across Nairobi, while enabling the development of an airport city and special economic zones aligned with national development priorities.

Master Planning

Landscape Architecture

Transport Planning

Infrastructure Planning

Dar is providing consultancy services for the preparation of the Integrated Master Plans for both JKIA and Wilson Airport, supporting KAA in shaping a National Airport Systems Plan that will guide air transport infrastructure development and investment across Kenya for the next two decades. The study brings together airside, terminal, landside, transport, and urban development planning into one integrated master planning framework.

At JKIA, Dar developed a long-term planning framework designed to accommodate forecast passenger growth to over 22 million passengers by 2045. The master plan defines future airfield configurations, terminal expansion requirements, and a phased infrastructure delivery strategy that enables the airport to grow efficiently while maintaining operational continuity. A comprehensive support facilities strategy was also developed to ensure that ground operations, maintenance, cargo, and utilities expand in line with aviation demand.

Dar also led the strategic planning of the JKIA Airport City and Special Economic Zone (SEZ), positioning the airport as a powerful engine for wider urban and economic development. The SEZ is envisioned as a major logistics and business park, integrating industrial, warehousing, office, and support services, while the Airport City will evolve as a mixed-use district combining education, healthcare, MICE, retail, and hospitality. These developments establish JKIA as a fully integrated airport city, supporting trade, innovation, and employment.

At Wilson Airport, Dar’s work focused on defining a clear future development structure for both airside and landside operations. The master plan evaluates runway requirements, terminal development, and supporting facilities, alongside alternative landside layouts that consolidate passenger, aviation support, and logistics functions. A comprehensive transport and access strategy was also prepared to enhance circulation, safety, and connectivity with surrounding urban districts.

Dar’s integrated master planning services for JKIA and Wilson Airport deliver a unified, future-ready blueprint for aviation growth in Nairobi. The project establishes a long-term framework that strengthens airport capacity and performance, and additionally unlocks new opportunities for urban development, logistics, education, and economic diversification.