The Government of Kenya has officially launched one of the country's biggest infrastructure projects, signing a Sh154.2 billion deal to modernise and expand the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
This marks a major milestone in the government's efforts to transform the country's main aviation gateway into a world-class facility that can handle the growing number of passengers and cargo passing through Nairobi.
A New Chapter for Kenya's Aviation Sector
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, witnessed the signing of the Engineer-Consultant Contract that appoints Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to provide design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision services for the JKIA Modernization Project.
In a statement dated July 16, Chirchir noted that Dar Al-Handasah's expertise will contribute to meeting international standards in the aviation sector.
"The contract appoints Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to undertake design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision for the proposed design, development, and modernization of JKIA," Chirchir said.
The signing of this consultancy agreement comes shortly after the government awarded the main construction contract to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) on June 23, 2026.
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika signed the contract on behalf of the government, while CRBC was represented by its General Manager, Yu Xiaodong.
Moving from Planning to Implementation
Under the newly signed contract, Dar Al-Handasah, which was earlier involved in the integration of the Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport on behalf of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), will oversee the implementation of the proposed design, development and modernization of JKIA.
The consultants will ensure that construction activities meet the project's technical, operational and quality requirements.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the consultant will guide the project through its implementation stage by supervising works, administering contracts and ensuring compliance with approved designs and international aviation standards.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Chirchir described the contract as a major milestone in the government's efforts to modernize JKIA and improve the country's aviation infrastructure.
The signing of this consultancy contract now moves the project into the implementation phase, bringing Kenyans one step closer to enjoying a modern, efficient airport that meets global standards.
A Transparent Procurement Process
The procurement process for the project commenced upon the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. A pre-bid conference was held in April 2026 involving over 40 companies, which helped clarify the project expectations and scope of work.
In May 2026, the tender closed, leading to an evaluation of technical and financial merits. The process was conducted in full compliance with applicable procurement laws and regulatory requirements, with all submissions evaluated on technical and financial merit. After a thorough evaluation, CRBC emerged as the successful contractor.
Among those present during the signing ceremony were KAA Managing Director Eng. Moses Wekesa, legal representatives from the Ministry and CRBC, as well as senior officials from KAA, the Ministry of Transport and the contracted firms.
What the Sh154.2 Billion Project Entails
According to the government, the scope of the project includes the construction of a new terminal building and supporting facilities, modernization and upgrading of existing airport infrastructure, and improvements to both airside and landside operations.
The expansion project, set to be undertaken in 36 months, also includes the improvement of overall operational efficiency and service delivery. Arrival capacity is expected to rise to 31 aircraft per hour, up from the current 25, as Kenya plans to nearly triple the annual passenger capacity at the Nairobi airport.
Currently, JKIA handles approximately 8.8 million passengers annually, already exceeding its original design capacity.
The airport currently operates one runway which lacks capacity to handle future traffic at the facility. Without expansion, the airport could lose competitiveness in the region.
The Vision: 22 Million Passengers by 2045
The modernization project is based on recommendations contained in the Integrated Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport prepared by Dar Al-Handasah for KAA. At JKIA, the consultant developed a long-term planning framework to accommodate more than 22 million passengers annually by 2045.
Forecasts project passenger numbers to rise to 22 million by 2045, while air cargo volumes are expected to more than double from 400,000 tonnes to 860,000 tonnes.
The forecast period spans from 2025 to 2045 and projects an increase from 8.93 million passengers in 2025 to approximately 22.31 million by 2045, reflecting an overall growth rate of 4.6 percent. Air cargo at JKIA is expected to grow from 407,214 tons in 2025 to 860,400 tons in 2045, more than doubling the volume over the forecast period.
The master plan defines future airfield configurations, terminal expansion requirements, and a phased infrastructure delivery strategy that enables the airport to grow efficiently.
Beyond Aviation: Airport City and Special Economic Zone
Beyond aviation infrastructure, the plan positions JKIA as a catalyst for wider economic development through the proposed Airport City and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
The Airport City concept proposes a mixed-use development incorporating educational facilities, healthcare services, hospitality investments, retail centers, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities.
The development of an airport city and special economic zone aims to position JKIA as a fully integrated aviation-led economic hub of national and regional significance.
The Airport City and SEZ will maximize the economic value of the airport beyond aeronautical operations by attracting logistics, trade, manufacturing, business, and service-oriented activities that benefit from direct proximity to air transport.
As a Special Economic Zone, JKIA is also projected to support high-value, time-sensitive and export-oriented industries including air cargo logistics, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, light manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment, and regional distribution.
In addition to the MICE facilities proposal, the master planning study also examined development needs at Wilson Airport, including runway requirements, terminal expansion, and transport planning.
Meet the Players: Dar Al-Handasah Consultants
Dar Al-Handasah was founded in 1956 in Beirut, Lebanon, by Kamal A. Shair. The firm is privately owned, with equity held by senior employees and the Shair family and is a part of the Sidara group.
Talal K. Shair currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of the firm, which has employed over 10,000 professionals across more than 60 offices in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, specializing in engineering, architecture, planning, and project management.
Among the major projects under the firm are Lebanon's Rafic Hariri International Airport and Beirut reconstruction. Further, the firm was involved in Saudi Arabia's Hara main High-Speed Railway and Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Qatar's Lusail developments, and Kenya's JKIA Integrated Master Plan with Airport City/SEZ planning.
The firm was selected partly because of its previous role in shaping JKIA's future development.
Dar Al-Handasah prepared the Integrated Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport on behalf of KAA, providing the long-term blueprint that guides the airport's expansion.
Financing the Mega Project
To fund the modernization, the State will borrow up to Sh100 billion and inject an additional Sh50 billion in equity, a financing model set to leverage future airport revenues. Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will serve as the project's implementing agent.
The tender document required bidders to have a minimum access to at least Sh100 billion in cashflow within the last six months through available, liquid assets, unencumbered real assets, lines of credit, and other financial means.
Bidders were also required to accept a deferred payment plan, meaning a large portion of the project's cost would be financed by the contractor until key milestones are achieved.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Beyond improving passenger experience and airport operations, the investment is expected to boost trade, tourism and regional connectivity while creating new employment opportunities.
The proposed developments are expected to create opportunities in hospitality, logistics, trade and real estate while strengthening Nairobi's position as East Africa's leading aviation centre.
The government further stated that the investment is anticipated to yield broader economic dividends, including growth in trade, tourism, and regional connectivity, as well as job creation linked to both the construction phase and longer-term airport operations.
A Competitive Procurement Process
The government launched procurement for the project on March 3, 2026, through an open international competitive bidding process, which closed on May 14. More than 40 companies participated in the pre-bid conference held in April 2026, which clarified the project expectations and scope of work.
Chirchir noted that the process was conducted in accordance with procurement laws and regulations, with bids evaluated based on both technical and financial merit before CRBC emerged as the successful contractor.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and adherence to procurement standards, saying the project will deliver world-class aviation infrastructure, position JKIA as Africa's premier gateway, and support Kenya's economic growth and competitiveness.
Looking Ahead
The signing of both the construction contract with CRBC and the consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah marks a new chapter in Kenya's aviation history.
The JKIA Modernisation Project is a strategic undertaking designed to expand airport capacity, enhance safety, improve passenger and cargo services, and strengthen Kenya's position as a leading regional aviation hub.
The project will deliver world-class aviation infrastructure, position JKIA as Africa's premier gateway, and support Kenya's economic growth and competitiveness.
With the implementation phase now officially underway, Kenyans can look forward to a modern, efficient, and world-class airport that will serve as a gateway not just to Kenya, but to the entire East African region.
The Ministry reiterates its commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict compliance with all required standards to deliver world-class aviation infrastructure at JKIA.
As the project moves forward, all eyes will be on the implementation phase to ensure that this massive investment delivers the promised benefits to the Kenyan people and the broader East African community.
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