Kenya Takes Major Step in JKIA Modernisation as Government Signs Key Consultancy Contract
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, Kenya — The government’s plan to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world-class aviation hub gathered momentum after the Ministry of Roads and Transport signed a major engineering consultancy contract that paves the way for the airport’s long-awaited modernisation.
The agreement marks the beginning of a crucial phase of the JKIA Modernisation Project, with international engineering firm Dar Al-Handasah Consultants appointed to oversee design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision for the ambitious redevelopment.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir witnessed the signing ceremony, describing it as a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to upgrade Kenya’s busiest airport into a modern facility that can meet growing passenger and cargo demands.
The contract was signed by Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika on behalf of the Ministry of Roads and Transport and Dar Al-Handasah Senior Partner George Fares. Senior officials from the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development and the consultancy firm also attended the event.
Under the agreement, Dar Al-Handasah will provide engineering consultancy services across the project’s three main components. The firm will review designs, manage project implementation, administer contracts and supervise construction to ensure the airport redevelopment meets international standards.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to improve operational efficiency, enhance passenger experience, strengthen safety standards, expand capacity and support environmentally sustainable airport operations.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chirchir challenged the consultant to deliver quality work while ensuring prudent use of public resources.
“We expect the highest level of standards and value for money in this project,” he said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to accountability and quality infrastructure.
Mbaika said the State Department was focused on delivering infrastructure that would have a lasting impact on the country’s economy.
“We are keen to deliver to Kenyans an asset that will be a catalyst to the economy,” she said, noting that the modernised airport would stimulate growth in key sectors such as tourism, trade and logistics.
The government views the project as a strategic investment that will strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional aviation and logistics hub while boosting the country’s competitiveness in the global transport sector.
Beyond improving passenger services, the modernisation is expected to reinforce JKIA’s role as one of Africa’s leading aviation gateways and a major regional air cargo hub, supporting increased trade, attracting investment and driving long-term economic growth.
Dar Al-Handasah brings decades of international experience in airport planning, engineering design, project management and construction supervision. The multidisciplinary consultancy has delivered infrastructure projects across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, and is expected to apply global best practices while aligning the JKIA project with Kenya’s national development priorities.
