Kenya Airports Authority

What Kenya Airports Authority does

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is a statutory government body established in 1991 under the KAA Act (Chapter 395 of the Laws of Kenya), charged with operating and managing a coordinated network of airports across Kenya. It owns and operates four international airports — Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA, Nairobi, Africa's seventh-busiest with 8.9M passengers in 2024), Moi International Airport (Mombasa), Kisumu International Airport, and Eldoret International Airport — plus domestic and regional facilities including Wilson, Malindi, Manda, Lokichogio, Wajir, and Ukunda. JKIA also handles approximately 380 million kilograms of cargo annually, including $1.1 billion in electronics imports in 2024. In FY2022/23 the authority contributed an estimated 5.1% of Kenyan GDP, processed 8.8 million system-wide passengers and 259,212 aircraft movements.

KAA's core technology footprint centers on passenger-service digitization: self check-in kiosks integrated with Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and KLM; an eVisa online portal (evisa.go.ke); eCitizen payment integration at payments.kaa.go.ke; and a supplier e-procurement portal supporting tender submissions up to 40MB. Sustainability infrastructure includes a solar-powered seawater desalination plant (63% complete) and a fully installed solar PV system at Manda Airport. JKIA, MIA, and KAA HQ achieved UKAS-granted ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 certifications in June 2025.

Revenue is generated through five streams: usage-based airport charges (landing fees, parking charges, passenger service fees); transaction-fee commercial concessions (retail, duty-free, lounges, advertising, fuel stations); licensing fees from ground transportation operators (taxis, car rentals, shuttles); cargo handling services at JKIA; and facility rentals including the KAA Training School and office/warehouse space. Go-to-market operates through direct airline engagement for route development, licensed operator networks for ground transportation, commercial concession grants for retail, and digital self-service channels for passengers. The authority is targeting JKIA capacity expansion to 12M passengers (phase 1) and 22.3M by 2029, alongside cargo expansion to 1 million tonnes by 2030 and the development of Narok Airport.

Name

Kenya Airports Authority

Legal name

Kenya Airports Authority

Website

https://kaa.go.ke

Company type

Public

Founded year

1991

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kenya Airports Authority is a statutory government body operating a national network of four international and multiple domestic airports, with JKIA serving as East Africa's primary hub handling 8.9 million passengers in 2024. It serves commercial airlines, passengers, cargo operators, and licensed ground transport providers across Kenya.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Airport Operations and Aviation Infrastructure

NAICS

Airport Operations (48811), Other Airport Operations (488119)

SIC

Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation Infrastructure Agencies (Public Airports, Airfield Ops, Ground Access) (BPAIALAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Airport Ground Transport Terminals (Rail/Bus/Coach) (THAIALAG), Ground Handling (Ramp, Baggage, Turnaround) (THABAIAC)

Keywords

• Airport operations
• Aviation infrastructure
• Cargo handling services
• Airport ground services
• Commercial concessions

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Airport Charges: Landing fees, parking charges, and passenger service fees collected from airlines operating at KAA-managed airports based on aircraft weight and passenger volumes
2. Commercial Concessions: Revenue from retail spaces, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, and advertising at airport terminals. Currently seeking development partners for shopping complexes, passenger lounges, staff restaurants, and fuel stations at various airports
3. Ground Transportation Licensing: Fees collected from licensed taxi operators, car rental companies, shuttle services, and transfer companies authorized to operate at KAA airports
4. Cargo Handling Services: Revenue from cargo handling operations at JKIA, which handles time-sensitive cargo including electronics worth $1.1 billion in 2024 with plans to expand freight capacity to one million tonnes by 2030
5. Facility Rentals: Rental income from office spaces, warehouse facilities, and commercial properties within airport precincts including the KAA Training School

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kenya Airports Authority operates and manages Kenya's national airport system under a statutory mandate, providing facilitative infrastructure and services across a network of 12+ airports including Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) as East Africa's primary hub. KAA delivers airline services (landing, parking, and passenger service charges), cargo handling, commercial concessions (retail, duty-free, lounges, advertising), ground transportation licensing, and facility rentals while also managing passenger-facing services such as self check-in kiosks, parking, and VIP terminals.

Product overview

Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) operates a network of airports across Kenya, with Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi as the primary international hub. The infrastructure portfolio includes four international airports (JKIA, Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Eldoret International Airport, and Kisumu International Airport) along with regional airports (Wilson Airport, Malindi Airport, Manda Airport, and others). Passenger-facing services are delivered through integrated modules including self check-in kiosks (integrated with Kenya Airways, South African Airways, and KLM), taxi/cab services, airport lounges, VIP terminals, eVisa facilitation, and ground transport options (parking, shuttles, rentals, public transport). KAA also operates ancillary services such as training academies (Kenya School of Flying), medical clinics, commercial developments, and port health services. The organization is modernizing its infrastructure through solar energy installations, water desalination systems, and digital initiatives including ERP systems and cybersecurity platforms.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Kenya's primary international aviation hub in Nairobi, serving as the main gateway for international and domestic flights. Handles the largest passenger volume in the country with planned capacity expansion from 7.5M to 12M passengers annually.
• Moi International Airport (MIA) International airport in Mombasa serving Kenya's coastal region, handling both international and domestic operations and supporting regional connectivity with carriers such as RwandAir.
• Eldoret International Airport Regional international airport serving Eldoret and the western highlands of Kenya, supporting cargo and passenger operations in the North Rift region.
• Kisumu International Airport Regional airport serving Kisumu and the Lake Victoria region of Kenya, providing connectivity for western Kenya operations.
• Wilson Airport Airport in Nairobi primarily serving domestic flights and general aviation operations.
• Malindi Airport Airport serving the coastal resort town of Malindi and surrounding areas for domestic and regional traffic.
• Manda Airport Island airport serving Lamu County, equipped with a solar-powered desalination plant and solar PV system for energy-efficient operations.
• Cargo Handling Services Cargo handling operations at JKIA serving freight carriers such as Astral Aviation and Lufthansa Cargo, handling time-sensitive cargo including electronics ($1.1B in 2024) with plans to expand JKIA freight capacity to 1 million tonnes by 2030.
• Commercial Concessions Retail, dining, duty-free, lounge, advertising, and fuel station concessions granted to third-party operators within airport terminals; KAA is actively seeking development partners for shopping complexes, passenger lounges, staff restaurants, and fuel stations.
• Ground Transportation Licensing Licensing of taxi operators, car rental companies, shuttle services, and transfer companies authorized to operate at KAA airports, including designated waiting areas and operator compliance requirements.
• Facility Rentals Rental of office spaces, warehouse facilities, and commercial properties within airport precincts, including KAA Training School facilities.
• KAA Training Academy (Kenya School of Flying) Aviation training services including pilot training and aviation professional development, delivered through the Kenya School of Flying and a new BSc in Aviation Management degree in partnership with UEAB.
• VIP Terminal Services Dedicated VIP terminal facilities for high-profile travelers, government officials, and diplomatic missions requiring enhanced privacy, security, and expedited clearance.
• Airport Parking Parking facilities at KAA airports available to passengers and visitors with regulated rates and access controls.

Quantifiable outcome

• 8.8 million passengers handled annually with 259,212 aircraft movements
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• University of Eastern Africa, Baraton (UEAB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 November 2025KAA's Kenya School of Flying (KSOF) partnered with UEAB to launch a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management Degree program for pilots. This partnership combines UEAB's higher education expertise with KSOF's pilot training capabilities to strengthen Kenya's aviation talent pipeline and address ICAO's projected global shortfall of licensed pilots. The program blends rigorous academic learning with hands-on flight training to produce market-ready, ethical, and globally competitive aviation professionals.
• SidaracoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSidara, a private consulting firm, has been commissioned by KAA to develop a comprehensive masterplan for upgrading Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The plan includes barring private cars from the main terminal area, expanding capacity from 7.5 million to 12 million passengers annually in the first phase, with a longer-term target of 22.3 million by 2029, and developing infrastructure for KAA's own ride-hailing app.
• Kenya Aviation Workers Union (KAWU)coreOthersKAA engages with the Kenya Aviation Workers Union representing aviation workers at JKIA and other airports. The union has been involved in Collective Bargaining Agreement disputes dating back to 2015, leading to industrial actions including a February 2026 strike that caused widespread flight delays. KAA and KAWU signed a return-to-work formula to resolve disputes and restore normal operations.
• Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA)coreOthersKAA works closely with KCAA on aviation regulatory matters including operational continuity measures during disruptions, flight scheduling, and aviation safety standards. KCAA activated continuity measures during the February 2026 strike at JKIA.
• Gulf AirmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, launched inaugural flights to Nairobi in June 2025, marking the re-establishment of service since 2012. This strategic addition supports Gulf Air's expansion into new markets and provides enhanced connectivity between Bahrain, East Africa, and beyond. The flight was welcomed with a water salute and ceremonial reception at JKIA.
• SalamAirmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSalamAir, an Omani low-cost carrier, launched its inaugural flight to JKIA in March 2025, representing a new airline partnership for KAA and expanding Kenya's connectivity to Middle East markets.
• RwandAirmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRwandAir resumed direct flights to Mombasa after a five-year hiatus, with four weekly flights now available. This partnership aims to strengthen regional connectivity, tourism, and trade across East Africa, with RwandAir flights operating at Moi International Airport.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/kenyaairports
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KenyaAirports
• Facebookfacebook.com/KenyaAirportsAuthority
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kenyaairports

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kenya Airports Authority