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

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has dismissed reports that the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) could cost about US$2.9 billion, insisting that the government works with much lower estimates.

Speaking before the Senate on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Mbadi urged Kenyans to treat unverified reports on JKIA with caution, saying some media headlines distort official information and mislead the public.

“And so you don’t rely on figures that are flying around, and especially in some print media, some specific newspapers, because, of course, some newspapers for three years now, their headline are always consistent and predictable, so we don’t worry much about those ones, because they also have a responsibility to inform or misinform Kenyans,” Mbadi said.

Mbadi insisted that the government estimate stands at about US$1.2 billion and rejected claims of a higher cost.

He also stressed that the project will not strain Kenya’s sovereign debt.

“The figure that I know is half of the said 2.9 billion US dollars (Ksh375.4 billion), which is $1.2 (Ksh155.3 billion), and it is not going to put any strain on our sovereign debt,” he stated.

JKIA Project Falls Under Infrastructure Funding Plan

Mbadi further explained that the JKIA expansion remains under consideration within the National Infrastructure Fund framework.

The CS added that the Ministry of Transport and his office can provide official details whenever needed.

Additionally, he noted that the government continues to evaluate financing options under the same framework to ensure the project aligns with long-term infrastructure priorities while maintaining fiscal stability.

Also Read: Mbadi Unveils Ksh 4.8 Trillion Budget as Govt Introduces New Tax Measures

LSK Raises Concerns Over Transparency and Financing Model

Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) raised concerns over the scale and financing structure of the JKIA upgrade.

In a statement issued on June 12, 2026, LSK President Charles Kanjama described the project as a major national investment that requires strict transparency and strong value-for-money safeguards.

Also Read: After Adani Exit, China Lands Ksh375 Billion JKIA Expansion Deal

LSK also questioned the proposed funding model, warning that heavy reliance on commercial borrowing backed by the Air Passenger Service Levy could increase travel costs for ordinary Kenyans if authorities do not manage it carefully.

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A photo of the JKIA entrance. PHOTO/Courtesy.