Firms seeking JKIA upgrade tender must have Ksh.100 billion in cash

The requirement, which is among the conditions in the tender document, states that bidders must provide proof of access to liquid assets, real assets that are free of debt, lines of credit, or other financial means within the last six months. 

The amount must be sufficient to meet the project's cash flow demands and should be independent of any contractual advance payments.

The tender document requires bidders to accept a deferred payment plan, meaning a large portion of the project's cost will be financed by the contractor until key milestones are achieved.

Under the arrangement, the successful bidder will receive an upfront payment equivalent to 10 per cent of the contract sum after providing a bank guarantee. A further 20 per cent will be paid once the project reaches 50 per cent completion, or after 18 months, whichever comes later.

Another 25 per cent will be paid when the project is officially handed over, while the remaining 45 per cent will only be released after the defects liability period ends and a performance certificate is issued.

To qualify, bidders must submit a formal letter addressed to the Accounting Officer of the procuring entity confirming their acceptance of the deferred payment terms. An authorised representative of the company must sign the letter.

In addition, prospective contractors will be required to provide a tender security of Ksh.2.5 billion, valid for 210 days from the date of tender opening. The security must be submitted in the prescribed format and enclosed in the original tender documents.

Other mandatory requirements include a valid registration certificate issued by the National Construction Authority (NCA), accompanied by a valid practising licence, an incorporation certificate confirming the company is legally registered to operate in Kenya, and a valid tax compliance certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA).

Bidders must also submit a CR12 document to verify the company's legal existence and ownership structure, as well as a written power of attorney authorising the tender signatory to commit the company.

The power of attorney must be witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths, Notary Public, or equivalent authority in the bidder's country of origin.

The ministry has also made participation in the pre-bid and site visit meetings mandatory. A proposed qualified engineer or architect must attend the meetings and submit a signed site visit certificate as part of the tender documents.

The latest requirements come amid heightened public scrutiny surrounding the government's plans to upgrade JKIA, a project that has attracted controversy over the past several months.

The project first sparked debate following a proposed involvement by the Indian conglomerate Adani Group, a move that generated intense political and public opposition before the arrangement was ultimately abandoned.

More recently, the planned upgrade has been thrust back into the spotlight following claims linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the project, allegations that have fuelled fresh questions over procurement processes and transparency.

In response, Transport CS Davis Chirchir refuted the claims, citing that the procurement process is still ongoing. 

“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 stated during a media briefing on June 18, 2026.