The government awarded China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) the KSh154 billion contract to modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. It was signed on Tuesday by Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika and CRBC General Manager Yu Xiaodong.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced the award on Wednesday. He termed the project a major national infrastructure investment. The signing ceremony was held in Nairobi and involved several other government officials.
The signing ceremony brought together key officials including Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir. Aviation PS Teresia Mbaika and CRBC General Manager Yu Xiaodong led the formal exchange of documents. Other senior figures from the transport sector also attended the event.
The project is intended to expand JKIA's capacity, improve safety standards and enhance passenger and cargo services. It is also meant to strengthen Kenya's position as a regional aviation hub.
The redevelopment follows the finalisation of a master plan for JKIA earlier this year. That plan sets out the framework for expanding and upgrading the airport to handle increased traffic in the years ahead.
The contract covers construction of a new terminal building along with supporting facilities. It also provides for the upgrading of existing infrastructure at JKIA. Airside and landside operations will be improved to increase efficiency and the quality of service delivery.
Notably, the first phase of the redevelopment does not include construction of a new runway. Plans for an additional runway are expected in later phases of the airport's long-term expansion programme.
The procurement process got underway three months ago after the JKIA Master Plan was completed in February. More than 40 firms participated in a pre-bid conference in April. Submissions were evaluated on technical and financial merit before CRBC was selected.
The contract award comes even as a High Court case challenging the airport expansion programme remains active. The Consumer Federation of Kenya filed the constitutional petition. It seeks conservatory orders to stop any further action on the project.
Justice Gregory Mutai certified the petition urgent on June 19. He ordered all respondents and interested parties to file responses ahead of the inter partes hearing. The case raises questions about transparency, procurement procedures and public participation in the project.
COFEK argues that critical information on the project's financing structure has not been made public. It also raises concerns about contractual obligations and beneficial ownership details.
The federation points out that the identities of firms involved have not been disclosed. These gaps, it says, raise constitutional concerns over accountability and access to information.
Chirchir maintained that the procurement process complied with all applicable laws and regulations. He said the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability and the delivery of world-class aviation infrastructure.
The government has since filed to challenge the urgency of the case, terming it premature, speculative, and improperly before the courts.
All updates on what happens next will be available on Mjengo Hub.
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