Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has dismissed reports suggesting that a private company is linked to the planned modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, stating that the firm did not participate in the procurement process and has no involvement in the project.

Speaking in Nairobi, Chirchir also pushed back against claims that the airport expansion could cost around Ksh 375 billion, insisting that the project’s expected expenditure remains capped at below Ksh 154.2 billion.

“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,” he said, adding that the higher cost figures being circulated were not consistent with official government estimates. He further noted that “the figure of Ksh 375 billion is two and a half times the cost that we do not expect to exceed,” reinforcing the government’s position that the project is significantly lower in value than some public reports have suggested.

Chirchir confirmed that the expansion project has not yet reached the award stage. He said the procurement process was conducted through an open international competitive bidding system in line with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. According to him, bidding closed on May 14, 2026, but no contract has been awarded and no agreement signed. The process is currently awaiting completion of technical evaluation and review by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.

“As we speak today, we don’t have an award. We could have an intention to award, but the process is still ongoing in line with the requirements of the law,” he said.

The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny over the scale, financing structure, and transparency of one of Kenya’s most significant aviation infrastructure projects.

The government’s broader plan is aimed at upgrading the capacity and operational efficiency of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which has faced growing pressure from rising passenger traffic, cargo volumes, and aircraft movements.

The project includes, expansion and improvement of the airfield infrastructure, renovation of existing passenger terminals, construction of a new passenger terminal with supporting facilities

Chirchir explained that the redesign adopts an “X-shaped” terminal layout intended to improve passenger movement efficiency and aircraft handling on multiple sides of the airfield.

Once completed, the existing terminal is expected to expand from handling about 7.5 million passengers to 12 million annually. A new terminal is projected to add capacity for an additional 10 million passengers, bringing the airport’s total handling capacity to approximately 22 million passengers per year.

The upgrade also includes improvements to runways, taxiways, aprons, cargo handling facilities, and air traffic control systems, all intended to support long-term growth in aviation demand.

Officials say the works are designed to modernise infrastructure that has largely evolved through incremental upgrades over several decades, despite steady growth in traffic.

The government has indicated that financing discussions for the project involve development finance institutions, including Trade Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation, which are expected to serve as lead arrangers.

The funding structure is designed to rely on airport-generated revenues, with authorities stating that it will be structured in a way that keeps it off the central government’s balance sheet, reducing direct pressure on public finances. Chirchir said the aim is to ensure the project does not compete with core social spending while still enabling long-term infrastructure expansion.

According to the ministry, the project is based on a master plan and feasibility study conducted by a global engineering firm over a one-year period. The study included consultations with several government departments, including those responsible for trade, tourism, and agriculture, reflecting the airport’s role in exports such as horticulture and fresh produce.

The government also said consultations were held with aviation sector stakeholders, including airport workers’ representatives, parliamentary committees, and disability inclusion groups.

Chirchir noted that cargo operations, particularly export freight such as flowers, were among the operational considerations factored into the planning process.

If the project proceeds as planned, the renovation of existing terminal facilities is expected to take about 18 months, followed by a 24-month defect liability period. Construction of the new terminal is projected to take 36 months, also with a 24-month defect liability period.

Officials say these timelines are subject to final contract award and implementation schedules agreed with the selected contractor.

Chirchir acknowledged concerns raised by sections of the public and civil society regarding procurement transparency and project cost. He noted that the process has undergone multiple levels of review and stakeholder engagement, including briefings with aviation sector workers and parliamentary oversight committees.

While responding to legal and procedural questions raised by advocacy groups, he maintained that the procurement process remains compliant with national law. He also urged the public and media to rely on verified government communication as the project progresses, stating that misinformation risked distorting understanding of a major national infrastructure programme.

The JKIA expansion remains in the procurement stage, with no contractor selected and no final contract signed. The government maintains that the project will not exceed Ksh 154.2 billion and that it is being implemented through competitive international bidding under statutory procurement rules.

Authorities say the next step will be completion of evaluation processes and regulatory review before any award decision is announced.