Kenya Airports Authority is preparing to enter the digital transport market with the launch of a dedicated ride hailing platform at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a move that could reshape how ground transport is managed at Kenya’s busiest aviation hub.
The planned platform, which will operate as both a mobile and web based application, is designed to serve passengers using officially regulated yellow airport taxis. According to tender documents, the system will be implemented under a public private partnership structure, enabling the authority to earn a share of revenue generated from each trip booked through the platform.
The tender process for the design, development and management of the system is set to conclude on February 26, 2026, paving the way for rollout in the coming months. By directly entering the ride hailing ecosystem, the authority is seeking to reclaim a portion of airport transport revenue currently dominated by global platforms such as Uber and Bolt.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport handles approximately 8.6 million passengers annually, making it one of the most strategically important transport nodes in East Africa. Control over airport based taxi operations represents a significant revenue opportunity, particularly as competition between digital ride hailing firms intensifies across urban Kenya.
The new system will allow passengers to book vetted airport taxis through multiple access points including a dedicated mobile application, an online portal and physical kiosks within terminal buildings. This hybrid approach is intended to serve both digitally savvy travelers and those who may prefer in person booking options upon arrival.
Security and congestion management are central to the initiative. The application will incorporate geofencing technology, restricting taxi operations to designated ranks within airport premises. By digitally defining pick up and drop off zones, the authority aims to ensure that only authorized vehicles can access passenger collection areas, addressing persistent concerns around unauthorized operators and chaotic curbside activity.
In addition to geofencing, the platform is expected to feature real time fare estimates to reduce disputes over pricing, live vehicle tracking for passenger safety, automated dispatch systems to streamline driver queues and instant trip notifications delivered to travelers’ devices. These features mirror those offered by established global ride hailing firms but will operate within a framework controlled by the airport authority.
The strategic objective extends beyond immediate transport management. Tender documentation indicates that the platform could evolve into a broader digital ecosystem serving airport users. Future phases may integrate services such as lounge bookings, duty free retail access, parking payments and real time flight information, effectively transforming the application into a multifunction airport services hub.
This digital expansion signals a shift in how Kenya Airports Authority approaches monetization. Rather than relying solely on aeronautical fees and traditional concession models, the authority appears to be positioning JKIA as a technology enabled marketplace capable of generating diversified revenue streams tied directly to passenger movement.
However, the move may introduce friction within the existing transport ecosystem. Drivers affiliated with global ride hailing platforms currently operating at JKIA could face operational adjustments if priority access is given to the airport backed system. The balance between regulated yellow taxis and independent digital drivers will likely require careful management to avoid disputes and service disruptions.
Industry analysts view the development as part of a broader trend of infrastructure operators seeking to internalize digital platforms that capture transactional value. Airports globally are exploring technology driven service integration to improve efficiency, security and profitability in increasingly competitive aviation markets.
For passengers, the success of the initiative will depend on reliability, transparent pricing and seamless user experience. If implemented effectively, the platform could enhance predictability in airport transport while reducing congestion and unauthorized activity.
As rollout approaches, stakeholders across Kenya’s transport and technology sectors will be watching closely. With millions of travelers passing through JKIA each year, the authority’s entry into ride hailing marks a significant experiment in state backed digital platform governance within Africa’s aviation landscape.
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