The government has announced plans to modernize and expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to reduce congestion at Kenya’s main port of entry and exit.

According to Kenya Airport Authority (KAA) Chairman Caleb Kositany, the new facility will reinforce JKIA’s status as Africa’s premier hub and gateway into East and Central Africa.

The Chairman spoke Sunday when he presided over Togolese passenger airline Asky Airlines inaugural flight from Lome-Nairobi as the company expanded its presence in East Africa.

The airline will be flying four times a week between the two nations.

JKIA, which was constructed in 1978, is Kenya’s crucial airport and is home to Kenya Airways and Jambojet, among other airlines.