The government has moved to address speculation surrounding the planned modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), stating that no contractor has been awarded the project and that the procurement process remains underway.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said reports linking a particular company to the airport expansion were inaccurate, maintaining that the firm mentioned in recent media coverage neither submitted a bid nor has any involvement in the tender.
“We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project. They also are not part and parcel of the contractors who submitted bids to this tender,” he said.
Chirchir also responded to claims involving a businessman whose name has featured prominently in discussions surrounding the project.
He said the individual does not appear in any official tender documents and has no connection to any of the bidders.
“I think he only features in the media. He is not anywhere in our documents as a partner to any of the bidders. We have seen him in the media just like you have; we don’t know him, and he is not participating in the bid either as a sole bidder or as part of any consortium,” Chirchir added.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that the airport project is being procured through an international competitive bidding process and that all submissions are currently undergoing technical and financial evaluation.
Seeking to reassure the public, he said the exercise is being conducted within the framework of Kenya’s procurement laws and regulations.
“The Government wishes to assure the public that every stage of this procurement has been undertaken fairly, transparently and in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act and all applicable procurement regulations,” he said.
Once completed, the project is expected to transform Kenya’s busiest airport by increasing its passenger-handling capacity and improving overall infrastructure.
According to the Transport Ministry, the existing terminal, which currently serves about 7.5 million passengers annually, will be upgraded to accommodate approximately 12 million travelers.
A new terminal is also planned, adding capacity for another 10 million passengers and raising the airport’s total annual capacity to around 22 million.
The proposed works will include improvements to existing terminals, upgrades to airfield facilities, expansion of passenger amenities and construction of additional infrastructure to support future growth.
Government estimates place the value of the project below Ksh 154.2 billion, with construction expected to be completed within 36 months after the contract is awarded.
The clarification comes amid growing public interest in one of Kenya’s largest infrastructure projects.
As the evaluation process continues, attention is likely to remain on how the government balances transparency, competitiveness and value for money in delivering an expansion expected to shape the future of regional and international air travel through Nairobi.
