The long-awaited modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has officially commenced this week, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirming that the Ksh154.2 billion project is now underway.
The announcement came after a high-level meeting on July 3 between Kindiki and officials from the State Department of Roads, including Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, where they reviewed the project's master plan and discussed the expected milestones.
Kindiki stated that the modernisation of the country's main airport will cost approximately 155 billion shillings, with the ambitious plan expected to transform JKIA into a world-class aviation hub.
The project entails significant upgrades to existing terminals and airfield infrastructure, alongside the construction of a brand new passenger terminal. Once completed, this major facelift is projected to increase JKIA's annual passenger handling capacity from the current 7.5 million to an impressive 22 million passengers.
This development comes barely a week after the ministry announced on June 23 that it had signed the design and build contract with China Road and Bridge Corporation, signalling the formal start of the project.
Chirchir had earlier given a comprehensive outline of the work ahead, explaining that the project will be implemented in phases and is expected to be fully completed within three years.
The meeting also touched on ongoing development works across all 47 counties, showing the government's commitment to infrastructure growth nationwide.
However, the project's commencement has not been without controversy. The High Court recently certified as urgent a constitutional petition filed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya seeking to halt the redevelopment.
COFEK has raised serious transparency concerns regarding the construction consortium involved, the financing structure, and reported links to a company associated with Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
The consumer lobby has asked the court to bar any actions that could create contractual, financial or public obligations linked to the project and to preserve all records, including agreements, financing arrangements and approvals. They are also seeking conservatory orders to stop any further steps on the redevelopment pending the determination of their petition.
Despite these legal hurdles, the government appears determined to push forward with the project that President William Ruto had previously announced would begin in July.
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