CHINESE FIRM CRBC WINS KSH154 BILLION JKIA MODERNIZATION CONTRACT.
Written by Boaz Nyabuto on June 24, 2026
The government has awarded the contract for the Ksh154 billion Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) modernisation project to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), even as a High Court case seeking to halt the redevelopment remains active.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir announced on Tuesday, June 23, that the contract was signed on behalf of the government by Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika and CRBC General Manager Yu Xiaodong, terming the project a major national infrastructure investment.
The signing comes days after the High Court certified a constitutional petition challenging the airport expansion programme as urgent and raising questions about transparency, procurement procedures, and public participation.
The case, filed by the Consumer Federation of Kenya (COFEK), seeks conservatory orders to stop any further action on the project pending the hearing and determination of the petition.
In directions issued on June 19, Justice Gregory Mutai ordered all respondents and interested parties to file their responses ahead of an inter partes hearing, noting that the matter raises significant public importance.
According to Chirchir, the modernisation project is intended to expand JKIA’s capacity, improve safety standards, enhance passenger and cargo services, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional aviation hub.
The project will involve the construction of a new terminal building and supporting facilities, upgrading existing infrastructure, and improving both airside and landside operations to boost efficiency and service delivery.
Notably, the first phase of the redevelopment will not include the construction of a new runway, with plans for an additional runway expected to be considered in later phases of the airport’s long-term expansion programme.
The government said the procurement process has been underway for the last three months following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026.
According to the ministry, more than 40 firms participated in a pre-bid conference held in April, with all submissions subsequently evaluated on both technical and financial merit.
However, COFEK argues that critical information relating to the project’s financing structure, contractual obligations, beneficial ownership, and the identities of firms involved has not been made public, raising constitutional concerns over accountability and access to information.
Despite the legal challenge, Chirchir maintained that the procurement process complied with all applicable laws and regulations, adding that the ministry remains committed to transparency, accountability, and delivering world-class aviation infrastructure.
