Kenya Government Signs Ksh.154 Billion JKIA Expansion Deal With Chinese Firm
The Ksh.154.2 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is officially set to begin following the signing of a contractual agreement on Tuesday.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that the contract has been awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The signing ceremony was witnessed by CS Chirchir, CRBC General Manager Yu Xiaodong, and Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika.
Project Timeline and Bidding Process
According to CS Chirchir, the procurement process lasted three months following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. A pre-bid conference in April 2026 attracted over 40 companies to review the project’s scope.
The massive infrastructure project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months.
Key Features of the Expansion
The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will serve as the implementing agent for the project, which aims to modernize Kenya’s primary aviation hub through several key upgrades:
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New Infrastructure: Construction of a brand-new terminal building and associated support facilities.
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Operational Upgrades: Modernization of existing infrastructure, alongside airside and landside operational improvements.
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Capacity Boost: Annual passenger capacity is projected to nearly triple, rising from 7.5 million to 22 million passengers.
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Aircraft Traffic: Arrival capacity will increase from 25 to 31 aircraft per hour.
Financing Model and Project Background
This new agreement comes after the government halted a previous 2024 expansion plan with India’s Adani Group, which was canceled last year following the indictment of the conglomerate’s founder in the United States.
To fund the Ksh.154.2 billion CRBC deal, the State will adopt a blended financing model designed to leverage future airport revenues. The funding structure consists of:
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Ksh.100 billion in borrowed state debt.
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Ksh.50 billion injected as direct government equity.
