The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is set to launch a taxi-hailing app for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), aiming to tap into the lucrative passenger transport market dominated by Uber and Bolt.

KAA has invited tech firms to bid for a public-private partnership (PPP) to design and manage the app, which will handle taxi bookings, offer real-time tracking, and ensure safety.

The app will initially focus on airport taxi bookings, letting travelers request vetted drivers via Android, iOS, or on-site kiosks.

Features will include fare estimates, vehicle tracking, and automated dispatch. The platform will manage taxi ranks, improve safety, and curb unauthorized pickups.

By controlling the digital booking channel, KAA aims to boost transparency, safety, and revenue. The app might expand to include lounge bookings, duty-free shopping, and parking reservations, integrating with flight systems.

This move pits KAA against established players like Uber and Bolt, which have strong user bases in Kenya.

The initiative is part of KAA’s effort to diversify revenue streams beyond landing fees and passenger service charges, leveraging JKIA’s millions of annual travelers.