Govt Sets Record Straight on JKIA Expansion Deal Linked to Controversial Zimbabwean Businessman

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has dismissed claims that a firm linked to a controversial Zimbabwean businessman has already been awarded a stake in the multi-billion-shilling project to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Chirchir clarified that no contract has been signed and that the procurement process is still ongoing.

His statement comes after sections of the media reported that IMC Construction Kenya, a company linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, had been included in a consortium selected for the JKIA expansion project.

No JKIA Expansion Contract Signed Yet

According to the reports, the consortium is led by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its subsidiary, the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), with IMC Construction Kenya joining the partnership. Chivayo is a wealthy Zimbabwean businessman who is known for his close public ties with President William Ruto.

Also Read: Mbadi Clarifies JKIA Expansion Cost After Public Uproar, Says Project Is Cheaper Than Reported

However, Chirchir maintained that the government has not signed any contract for the project.

“The government does not anticipate the contract award to exceed Ksh154.2 billion, and I say that because we are yet to finalise the details of the contract. No contract has been signed,” Chirchir said.

The CS explained that the evaluation process has followed all legal procurement requirements, including compliance checks, approvals, and due diligence procedures.

Airport  Upgrade to Increase Passenger Capacity

According to Chirchir, the project goes beyond the construction of a new passenger terminal and will involve a major upgrade of JKIA’s existing infrastructure.

He said the works will include the expansion of the current terminal buildings, rehabilitation of the existing airfield, construction of a new greenfield terminal, aircraft aprons, taxiways, utility networks, access roads, aviation systems, and other operational support facilities.

“It is important to appreciate that this procurement is not solely for the construction of a new passenger terminal. It also encompasses rehabilitation of the existing JKIA terminal and airfield,” he said.

The government projects that the current terminal’s passenger handling capacity will increase from 7.5 million passengers annually to 12 million once the upgrades are completed.

Additional Details of the Planned Airport Upgrade

In addition, the planned new terminal will be capable of handling 10 million passengers every year, bringing JKIA’s total capacity to 22 million passengers annually.

“We wish to inform Kenyans that the current terminal will be expanded from 7.5 million passenger capacity to 12 million, and the new terminal will handle 10 million passengers per year,” Chirchir stated.

He added that the proposed terminal has been designed to improve passenger movement and reduce walking distances within the airport.

Chirchir also defended the projected cost of the project, saying comparisons with similar airport developments in the region show that Kenya’s plans are competitively priced.

Also Read: JKIA Set for Major Expansion as Govt Announces New Multibillion Terminal and Airport City Plan 

According to the CS, the anticipated cost of Ksh 154.2 billion is about 20% lower than comparable airport projects recently undertaken in the region.

He dismissed reports claiming the project would cost Ksh 375 billion, saying the figure is significantly higher than the government’s projections.

“The figure of Ksh 375 billion, which you see in sections of the media, is two and a half times the cost that we do not expect to exceed,” he said.

On financing, Chirchir said the government is still developing the funding structure for the project and has brought on board the Trade Development Bank and the Africa Finance Cooperation as lead arrangers.

The two institutions will help mobilise financing from development finance institutions and commercial banks.

The CS explained that the project is expected to be funded through airport-generated revenues, including airport service charges and other income streams.

He further noted that the financing model will likely involve a mix of debt and equity financing, requiring extensive disclosure and transparency before financial close can be achieved.

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Photo of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). PHOTO/NMG