Douglas Mwiti 
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) was honored as the African Cargo Airport of the Year during the STAT Times International Awards for Excellence in Air Cargo gala dinner, held last night at the Serena Hotel in Nairobi. The award ceremony was part of the Air Cargo Africa and Transport Logistics Africa 2025 conference, a premier event showcasing innovations and excellence in the air cargo industry.
The award was received by Dr. Rose Koros, General Manager of JKIA, accompanied by Mr. Jacob Bwana, Manager, Cargo, and Ms. Debra Ondaba, Manager, Product and Brand.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr.Koros expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing JKIA’s pivotal role in facilitating trade and logistics across Africa. She highlighted the airport’s commitment to operational excellence and its continuous efforts to enhance cargo handling capabilities.
JKIA’s win underscores its status as one of Africa’s busiest and most efficient cargo hubs.
In 2024 alone, the airport handled an impressive 112,000 tons of cargo in the first quarter, reflecting its critical role in supporting regional and international trade.
The airport has been instrumental in handling high-value exports such as fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and specialty goods, which make up 80% of Africa’s air cargo exports.
This recognition comes amidst significant growth in Africa’s air cargo industry, driven by initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which has boosted intra-African trade by 25% and increased transport demand by 50%.
JKIA’s strategic location and robust infrastructure have positioned it as a key player in meeting this growing demand.
The Air Cargo Africa 2025 conference has brought together over 2,000 global industry leaders to discuss innovations and strategies for unlocking Africa’s potential as a logistics hub.
Nairobi’s hosting of this event further cements Kenya’s position as a leader in airfreight and logistics on the continent.
The three-day conference will continue today with sessions focusing on health and humanitarian logistics, alongside discussions on multi-modal transport solutions.
