JKIA Expansion: Government Dismisses Claims of Secret Contract Award, Confirms Project Cost Will Not Exceed KSh154.2 Billion
By Gedion Nzyoki -
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 18, 2026 — The Government has dismissed reports alleging that a contract for the expansion and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been awarded to a controversial or undisclosed firm, insisting that the procurement process remains ongoing and that no contractor has been selected.
Reports had claimed that the JKIA modernization and expansion project had been awarded to companies linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, who has recently attracted public attention over his association with President William Ruto.
Addressing the reports during a press briefing on Thursday afternoon, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir dismissed the claims, stating that the tendering process is still under evaluation and is being conducted in full compliance with Kenya's public procurement laws.
"The procurement process is ongoing, and no contract has been awarded to any shadowy firm," Chirchir said.
The clarification follows media reports linking unnamed entities to the proposed redevelopment of Kenya's busiest airport. The government described the reports as misleading and inaccurate, maintaining that the company mentioned neither participated in the bidding process nor has any connection to the project.
"We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement, or association whatsoever with this project. It is also not among the contractors that submitted bids for this tender," he added.
According to the Ministry, all bidders were required to provide legally binding disclosures detailing all parties involved in their respective consortiums and joint ventures. The government said none of the submitted bids included the entity cited in the reports.
Project Cost Will Not Exceed KSh154.2 Billion
The government further revealed that the total cost of the proposed JKIA modernization project is not expected to exceed KSh154.2 billion.
"The Government does not anticipate the contract award to exceed KSh154.2 billion," Chirchir stated.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that the procurement is not limited to the construction of a new passenger terminal but encompasses a comprehensive upgrade of the airport's infrastructure.
The project includes rehabilitation of the existing airfield, expansion and renovation of current terminals, construction of new terminal facilities, taxiways, aprons, utility networks, access roads, aviation systems, and operational support facilities.
The project is anchored on recommendations contained in the JKIA Master Plan and Feasibility Study commissioned by the government to guide the airport's long-term growth strategy.
Capacity to Triple as Passenger Numbers Rise
The planned expansion is expected to significantly boost JKIA's capacity as Kenya seeks to strengthen its position as East Africa's leading aviation hub.
The government disclosed that the existing terminal's passenger-handling capacity will increase from the current 7.5 million passengers annually to 12 million passengers per year through renovation and expansion works.
In addition, a new passenger terminal will be constructed with the capacity to handle 10 million passengers annually, raising the airport's total passenger-handling capacity to approximately 22 million passengers per year.
"We wish to inform Kenyans that the current terminal will be expanded from a capacity of 7.5 million passengers to 12 million passengers annually, while the new terminal will handle 10 million passengers per year. This will increase JKIA's overall capacity from the current 7.5 million passengers annually to 22 million passengers per year," the CS said.
The Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary said the expansion is necessary to accommodate growing passenger demand, improve operational efficiency, strengthen safety and security standards, and enhance the overall traveler experience.
Regional Competition Driving Expansion
The Ministry noted that several countries in the region are investing heavily in modern airport infrastructure, making it necessary for Kenya to upgrade JKIA in order to maintain its competitive edge as a regional aviation, tourism, and trade hub.
"This development is not merely an infrastructure project; it is a strategic national investment that will secure Kenya's competitiveness for generations to come," Chirchir said.
The project will be implemented in phases, beginning with the rehabilitation and resurfacing of the existing airfield, followed by the renovation of current terminals and, ultimately, the construction of the new terminal and associated support facilities.
Financing Structure Under Development
On financing, the government said it is working with Trade Development Bank (TDB) and the African Finance Corporation (AFC) to structure funding for the project.
The two institutions have been appointed as lead arrangers and are expected to mobilize financing from development finance institutions and commercial lenders.
The project will largely be financed through airport-generated revenue streams.
The government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and competitive procurement throughout the process and urged Kenyans to rely on official communication channels for accurate information regarding the JKIA modernization programme.
Once completed, the expanded JKIA is expected to position Kenya to meet future aviation demand while reinforcing Nairobi's status as a premier gateway for passengers and cargo across Africa.
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