Kenya Begins KSh154.2 Billion JKIA Modernisation Project

Kenya has begun the KSh154.2 billion modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirming that work is now underway following a meeting with transport officials on 3 July.

Kindiki announced the start of the project after meeting Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and senior government officials at Harambee House Annex. The contract was awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) under a design-and-build agreement signed in late June.

The project will be completed in phases over three years. It includes the upgrade of existing terminals and airfield infrastructure, as well as the construction of a new passenger terminal. Once finished, JKIA's annual passenger capacity is expected to increase from 7.5 million to about 22 million, strengthening Nairobi's position as a regional aviation hub.

Kindiki said the airport expansion is part of a wider government infrastructure programme. He said the government has cleared KSh177 billion in pending payments owed to road contractors, allowing previously stalled projects to resume. Over the past year, the government has also paid contractors KSh270 billion, with construction now under way on almost 8,000 kilometres of bitumen roads across all 47 counties. 

He said the airport project will support these road investments by improving transport links and increasing the efficiency of Kenya's aviation sector. The project is facing a legal challenge from the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), which has filed a constitutional petition seeking to stop the redevelopment. COFEK has raised concerns about the project's transparency, financing arrangements and alleged links to foreign business interests.

The High Court has certified the case as urgent, and the organisation is seeking conservatory orders to prevent the government from entering into contractual or financial obligations until the case is determined. The government has maintained that the JKIA modernisation is necessary to support economic growth and improve Kenya's position in international aviation.