State department for Aviation and Aerospace development

20/05/2026

20TH MAY 2026

INTERGOVERNMENTAL PARTNERSHIP SIGNED TO UPGRADE MAASAI MARA AIRPORT

Today the Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. Teresia Mbaika-CBS, joined Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir, and the Governor of Narok County, H.E. Patrick Ole Ntutu, in a formal signing ceremony following the review and clearance of the Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement (IPA) between the Ministry of Roads and Transport and the Narok County Government. The IPA covers cooperation on the construction, upgrade, and ongoing maintenance of facilities at Maasai Mara Airport.

The agreement, reviewed and confirmed by the The Office of Attorney-General and Department of Justice with the Constitution and the statutory framework governing intergovernmental relations establishes clear roles, funding arrangements, and implementation timelines to guide the project. It also outlines provisions for environmental safeguards, community engagement, and compliance with Civil Aviation Authority standards to ensure safety and sustainability.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening regional connectivity and promoting tourism in the Maasai Mara by modernizing aviation infrastructure, enhancing passenger experience, supporting safe operations for commercial and charter flights, and unlocking economic opportunities for local communities. The upgraded airport infrastructure includes a1.5 kilometer runway, two taxi ways, a terminal building, supporting amenities and fencing among other utilities.

The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) represented in the meeting by the Managing Director, Mr. Moses Wekesa committed that KAA will extend all the technical support to ensure that the airport adheres to expected global standards. The airport is expected to improve access for tourists, boost local employment, and facilitate faster, more reliable movement of goods and services.

20/05/2026

20TH MAY 2026

KENYA ADVANCES PREPARATIONS FOR THE 11TH OUR OCEAN CONFERENCE

The Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika-CBS , today attended a high level preparedness meeting for the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC), scheduled to take place from 11th to 18th June 2026 in Mombasa under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future.”

Hosted by Kenya through the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, the high-level conference is expected to bring together Heads of State, ministers, industry leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and other stakeholders to demonstrate global commitment towards sustainable ocean management and conservation.

The meeting reviewed the status of conference preparations, sector responsibilities, areas requiring inter-agency collaboration and support, as well as contributions necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the event.

The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the successful hosting of the conference, which is expected to strengthen efforts towards ocean protection, sustainable livelihoods, and the advancement of the blue economy.

18/05/2026

18TH MAY 2026

JKIA MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION PROJECT ATTRACTS FINANCING ENGAGEMENTS

Today, the Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Teresia Mbaika-CBS, chaired a consultative meeting between the State Department and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on the proposed modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The meeting focused on financing opportunities for the transformational project, which is expected to significantly enhance Kenya’s aviation infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a regional aviation hub.

During the engagement, the State Department presented the JKIA Masterplan, finalized in February 2026, and provided an update on the current status of the project. Discussions highlighted the ongoing EPC international tendering process, which will support both the optimization of the existing airport infrastructure and the construction of a new terminal building.

The Principal Secretary noted that the project financing model will adopt a 30/70 debt-to-equity structure, with continued engagements expected between the Government, potential financiers, and private sector partners to facilitate timely implementation of the project and unlock its broader economic benefits.

The meeting was attended by Eng. Kefa Seda, Director General of the Private Public Partnership Directorate at The National Treasury and Economic Planning; Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director Mr. Moses Wekesa; AIIB Head of Delegation Lucas Bispo De Oliveira Alves, Investment Officer; alongside senior officers from the respective institutions.

15/05/2026

In her closing remarks, Ms. Teresia Mbaika-CBS, Principal Secretary, State department for Aviation and Aerospace development emphasized, “What we may consider as obstacles now have solutions within reach by making our borders borderless, opening multi-destination routes, supporting trade and tourism, leveraging code shares, supporting national and regional carriers and amplifying our impact by partnering with the rest of the continent.”

These remarks reflected the core spirit of the Symposium of building an aviation ecosystem that is more connected, resilient, and responsive to the evolving needs of the region.

15/05/2026

12/05/2026

12TH MAY 2026
STRENGTHENING UK–KENYA AVIATION SECURITY COLLABORATION

Today, the Principal Secretary Ms. Teresia Mbaika-CBS hosted Ms. Davian Henderson, Deputy Director, Aviation Security International Operations, for discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom in aviation security.

The discussions centered on ongoing cooperation between the UK and Kenya through the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority - KCAA (KCAA) and Kenya Airways in enhancing aviation security capacity. Areas of collaboration include training on passenger and document screening, as well as strengthened gate security measures aimed at improving passenger safety and overall aviation security standards.

During the meeting, the Principal Secretary reiterated the critical role the JKIA Modernization Project will play in advancing these efforts through the upgrade of existing facilities and development of new infrastructure designed to enhance passenger security and operational efficiency.

Ms. Henderson commended Kenya’s continued cooperation and noted that the engagement provided an important opportunity to further strengthen UK–Kenya relations in the aviation sector. She further indicated that the discussions laid the groundwork for a planned high-level dialogue between the two countries scheduled for September 2026.

The meeting was attended by Ag. Director General KCAA Mr. Nicholas Bodo, Deputy Director of Aviation Security Ms. Beatrice Muthoga, Mr. Matthew Ward from the UK delegation, and Mr. Victor Kimeu representing the British High Commission.

12/05/2026

COUNTING DOWN TO THE 7TH EAC AVIATION SYMPOSIUM.

The 7th EAC Aviation Symposium touches down in Mombasa, Kenya on May 14–15, 2026, bringing together Civil Aviation Authorities, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the East African Community.
Hosted under the theme: "Advancing Aviation Excellence: Towards Connected, Sustainable and Safer Skies"

As the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, we are proud to be both host nation and active stakeholder at this critical regional forum, championing Kenya's commitment to:
🔹 Aviation safety & security
🔹 Regional connectivity
🔹 Sustainable skies for future generations

At a time when Kenya is driving one of the continent's most ambitious airport modernisation projects at JKIA, this Symposium could not come at a more defining moment for our aviation sector.

We look forward to the conversations, the commitments, and the collaborations that will shape the future of aviation in East Africa.

Register: https://symposium.cassoa.org

10/05/2026

From all of us at the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and mother figures. Thank you for your strength and resilience, helping society rise, nurture futures, and inspire generations to fly high.
Teresia Mbaika-CBS
Kenya Airports Authority
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority - KCAA
♥️

09/05/2026

9TH MAY 2026

JKIA IS READY TO RECEIVE DELEGATES TO THE AFRICA FORWARD SUMMIT 2026

Preparations to host delegates attending the Africa France Summit 2026 are in full gear. The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) serving as the country’s first point of contact for visiting dignitaries and guests is fully prepared for the anticipated high level visitor flow.

The Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Mr. Davis Chirchir together with the Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Ms. Teresia Mbaika-CBS has been leading inspection and coordination teams at JKIA to ensure the airport delivers a seamless, secure, and memorable delegate experience.

Kenya has the distinct honour of hosting the Africa Forward Summit 2026 ,the first to be held outside a Francophone country , underscoring the country’s growing stature as a regional and global diplomatic hub.

Managing Director Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Mr. Moses Wekesa and the KAA team have executed the expected preparedness details and hosted the site visits by both the ministry and the preparatory committee.

Key areas in focus include passenger facilitation, security, and operational readiness across both landside and airside operations.

The Summit is scheduled to take place on 11th and 12th May 2026.

07/05/2026

A MOMENT OF PRIDE FOR AVIATION & AEROSPACE! ✈️

The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development congratulates our Principal Secretary, Teresa Mbaika CBS, on being ranked 3rd Best Performing Principal Secretary in Kenya's Track Survey!

This recognition reflects PS Mbaika's unwavering commitment to hard work, competence, and excellence in public service. Her visionary leadership has truly transformed our aviation ecosystem.

To our PS Teresia Mbaika-CBS congratulations! You make Kenya proud. Keep soaring! 🇰🇪

07/05/2026

7TH MAY 2026
PRE-BID BRIEFING FOR JKIA MODERNIZATION CONSULTANCY SERVICES

Today, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ms. - CBS, joined the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Mr. Davis Chirchir, during the pre-bid briefing for consultancy services under the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Modernization Project.

The briefing focused on consultancy services for Design Review Management, Contract Administration, and Construction Supervision for the design, development, and modernization of JKIA. The session brought together prospective bidders and key stakeholders as part of the ongoing procurement process for this landmark infrastructure project.

Speaking during the engagement, Cabinet Secretary Mr. Davis Chirchir commended the strong turnout of bidders, noting that it reflects growing confidence in the Government’s commitment to delivering transformative aviation infrastructure. He urged the participating firms to thoroughly understand the project requirements and submit competitive proposals that guarantee value for money while complying with the Government’s local participation policy. He further emphasized the importance of achieving at least a 30 percent local content component to promote knowledge transfer, strengthen local capacity, and create employment opportunities for Kenyans.

The Principal Secretary, Ms. Teresia Mbaika, CBS, emphasized the importance of adhering to the project timelines and encouraged bidders to make full use of the briefing session to seek clarification and gain a comprehensive understanding of the project requirements. She reaffirmed the State Department’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and professionalism throughout the procurement and implementation process.
The JKIA Modernization Project remains a key national priority aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, improving passenger experience, strengthening regional and global connectivity, and positioning Kenya as a leading aviation hub in Africa.