Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, June 18, 2026 — The government has defended the ongoing procurement process for the modernization and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), insisting that the multi-billion-shilling project is being conducted transparently and will position Kenya as East Africa’s leading aviation hub for decades to come.
In a statement delivered by Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, the government said the planned upgrade will increase JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from the current 7.5 million to 22 million passengers, addressing growing demand and easing pressure on the country’s busiest airport.
The project, whose contract award is not expected to exceed Sh154.2 billion, includes the rehabilitation of existing terminals and airfield infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new passenger terminal and associated support facilities.
“The development of JKIA is not merely an infrastructure project. It is a strategic national investment that will secure Kenya’s competitiveness for generations to come,” Chirchir said.
He noted that while JKIA has served the country well over the years, much of its core infrastructure was developed decades ago and has only undergone incremental improvements despite significant growth in passenger traffic, aircraft movements and cargo volumes.
According to the government, the airport is increasingly operating under capacity constraints, making expansion necessary to maintain international standards of safety, efficiency and customer service.
The planned works will see the existing terminal facilities expanded to handle 12 million passengers annually, up from the current 7.5 million. In addition, a new terminal with the capacity to serve 10 million passengers per year will be constructed, bringing the airport’s total annual capacity to 22 million passengers.
The project will also include rehabilitation and resurfacing of the airfield, expansion of aircraft aprons and taxiways, upgrades to utility networks and aviation systems, construction of access roads, and development of operational support facilities.
The government said the expansion follows the completion of a comprehensive JKIA Master Plan and Feasibility Study that was undertaken by an internationally recognized engineering and airport planning consultancy. The study established a long-term development strategy for the airport and identified the infrastructure required to meet Kenya’s aviation needs in the coming decades.
Following the study, the government developed detailed concept designs and tender documents to facilitate procurement of a design-and-build contractor.
Chirchir said authorities had conducted extensive stakeholder consultations throughout the planning process, including engagements with Kenya Airports Authority staff, aviation workers, parliamentarians, persons living with disabilities, the media and prospective bidders.
The Cabinet Secretary further defended the procurement process, saying it was conducted through an open international competitive bidding framework that provided equal opportunities to both local and international firms.
“The government wishes to assure the public that every stage of this procurement has been undertaken fairly, transparently and in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and all applicable regulations,” he said.
At the same time, the government dismissed reports published by sections of the media linking a particular company to the airport project, saying the firm neither participated in the tender nor has any association with the procurement process.
“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,” Chirchir stated.
He added that all bidders were required to disclose members of their joint ventures and that the company mentioned in the reports did not appear in any of the submissions received.
The government urged Kenyans to rely on official communication regarding the project and called on media houses to verify information before publication.
On financing, Chirchir said the government has engaged the Trade and Development Bank and the African Finance Corporation to structure funding for the project. The financing model will leverage airport-generated revenues while attracting support from development finance institutions and commercial lenders.
Construction of the airfield improvements is expected to take 15 months, while renovations to existing terminals will be completed within 18 months. The new passenger terminal, which forms the centerpiece of the expansion programme, is projected to take about 36 months to complete.
He reiterated that the modernization of JKIA will enhance passenger experience, strengthen safety and security, improve operational efficiency and support increased cargo and commercial activities, ensuring Kenya retains its position as the region’s premier aviation gateway.
