The planned expansion and modernsation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is not expected to exceed Sh154.2 billion, the government now says.
This, as the Roads and Transport Ministry moves to defend the procurement process.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Thursday, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the project is not merely the construction of a new passenger terminal but a comprehensive overhaul of the country's main airport, including rehabilitation of existing facilities, airfield upgrades and development of a new terminal complex.
"JKIA has served the nation well for many years, but much of its core infrastructure was developed decades ago and has only undergone incremental improvements despite sustained growth in passenger numbers, aircraft movements and cargo volumes," Chirchir said.
The expansion is expected to increase JKIA's passenger handling capacity from the current 7.5 million passengers annually to 22 million.
This will be achieved through upgrading and expanding the existing terminals to handle 12 million passengers a year and constructing a new terminal with a capacity of 10 million passengers annually.
According to the CS, the project is based on a comprehensive master plan and feasibility study commissioned by the government and undertaken by an international aviation infrastructure consultancy.
The study identified the long-term expansion strategy required to meet Kenya's aviation needs and support growth in tourism, trade and cargo operations.
The modernisation programme comprises three major components. The first involves rehabilitation and resurfacing of the existing airfield, which is expected to take 15 months.
The second covers renovation and expansion of the current terminals over 18 months to raise capacity to 12 million passengers annually.
The third and largest component entails the construction of a new passenger terminal and associated support facilities, with implementation expected to take about 36 months.
Chirchir said the procurement process for the project has been conducted through an open international competitive bidding process and in compliance with public procurement laws. The Request for Proposals was issued on March 3, 2026, and closed on May 14, 2026.
He defended the ongoing tender process, saying all stages had been subjected to statutory evaluations, approvals and due diligence requirements.
The CS also dismissed reports linking a company mentioned in recent media reports to the project, insisting that the firm neither participated in the bidding process nor has any association with any of the submitted bids.
"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," he said.
On financing, Chirchir said the government has engaged the Trade and Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation as lead arrangers to structure funding for the project.
The financing model will rely largely on airport-generated revenues while attracting support from development finance institutions and commercial banks.
The government argued that the anticipated cost compares favourably with similar airport developments across the region and represents a strategic investment aimed at enhancing passenger experience, improving operational efficiency, strengthening safety and security, and supporting future growth in cargo and commercial activities.
Chirchir said the government remains committed to delivering the project transparently and competitively, while ensuring value for money and positioning Kenya as the premier aviation gateway in East Africa for decades to come.
