Kenya signs Ksh.154.2B JKIA expansion deal with Chinese firm

Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir confirmed that the contract has been awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), a pioneering engineering contracting company in China.

He witnessed the signing between CRBC General Manager Yu Xiaodong and Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary (PS) Teresia Mbaika.

"The procurement process has been ongoing over the past three months following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. More than 40 companies participated in the pre-bid conference held in April 2026, which clarified the project expectations and scope of work," said CS Chirchir.

The expansion project, set to be undertaken in 36 months, includes the construction of a new terminal building and associated support facilities, upgrading the existing infrastructure, the improvement of airside and landside operations, and the enhancement of overall operational efficiency and service delivery.

Arrival capacity is also expected to rise to 31 aircraft per hour, up from 25, as Kenya ​plans to nearly triple the annual passenger ⁠capacity at the Nairobi airport to 22 ​million people from 7.5 million.

The project was previously ​halted last year after Kenya cancelled a 2024 agreement with India's Adani Group following the indictment of its founder ​in the United States.

CS Chirchir has intimated that Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) will be the implementing agent.

The State will borrow up to Ksh.100 billion and inject about Ksh.50 billion in equity, a financing model set to leverage future airport revenues.