Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is a government agency responsible for managing and operating Kenya’s civilian airports and airstrips. Established by the Kenya Airports Authority Act (Cap 395) in 1992, KAA plays a critical role in maintaining and upgrading Kenya’s aviation infrastructure. The authority’s head office is located on the grounds of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi.
Key Airports Managed by KAA
Kenya Airports Authority oversees the operations of nine major airports and airstrips across the country. These airports and airstrips serve as key points for both domestic and international travel:
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) The busiest airport in Kenya, JKIA serves as the primary international gateway to the country. It is located in Embakasi, Nairobi, and is known for its connectivity to various global destinations.
Moi International Airport (Mombasa) Serving the coastal region, Moi International Airport is located in Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. It is a vital hub for international and regional flights.
Eldoret International Airport (Eldoret) Located in Eldoret, this airport serves the western region of Kenya, catering to both domestic flights and international connections, especially to the Middle East.
Wilson Airport (Nairobi) Situated in Nairobi, Wilson Airport primarily handles domestic flights and small aircraft, making it a key airport for local travel across Kenya.
Kisumu International Airport (Kisumu) Serving Kisumu in the western part of Kenya, this airport is crucial for business and leisure travel in the region.
Isiolo International Airport Located in Isiolo, this airport serves as a gateway to northern Kenya and is strategically important for both local tourism and regional business.
Malindi Airport (Malindi) Serving the Malindi region, this airport caters to domestic and international tourists visiting Kenya’s coast.
Wajir Airport (Wajir) Situated in Wajir, this airport plays a key role in providing access to the northeastern part of Kenya.
Airstrips Managed by KAA
In addition to the main airports, KAA also oversees several important airstrips that facilitate air travel to more remote areas:
Lokichoggio Airport (Lokichoggio) Located in Lokichoggio, this airstrip serves as a crucial transport link for the far northern regions of Kenya.
Manda Airport (Manda Island) Serving Manda Island near Lamu, this airstrip is used for domestic flights, mainly by tourists visiting the island and its surroundings.
Ukunda Airport (Diani Beach) Located in Diani Beach, this airstrip serves the popular coastal tourist destination and helps connect the area with other parts of Kenya.
Role of KAA in Kenyan Aviation
Kenya Airports Authority plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the country’s aviation infrastructure. The authority is responsible for the development, maintenance, and improvement of these airports and airstrips, with a focus on ensuring safety, security, and efficiency for passengers and cargo. KAA also manages aviation services like ground handling, air traffic control, and airside operations.
With a workforce of around 1,900 employees, KAA continues to invest in modernizing Kenya’s airports to enhance the country’s aviation capacity, supporting both local and international air traffic.
Airports
Airport names shown in bold indicate the airport has scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines
