China Firm Wins Ksh375 Billion JKIA Upgrade Deal Two Years After Adani Cancellation. The government has awarded a Ksh375.4 billion contract for the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to China Communications Construction Company. The project will be implemented through the newly established National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).
The deal marks a major step in plans to modernise Kenya’s main international airport. It also comes two years after the government dropped a proposed airport agreement involving Adani Group.
China Firm Wins Ksh375 Billion JKIA Upgrade Deal Two Years After Adani Cancellation
The airport upgrade will follow a long-term development plan running until 2045. The blueprint outlines infrastructure improvements, investment requirements, and future growth targets.
Officials expect the project to increase passenger capacity and improve airport operations. The works will also modernise facilities and enhance services for travellers.
Funding Questions Remain
Earlier this year, President William Ruto announced that construction would begin in June 2026. He said the government would use Ksh20 billion from the sale of shares in Kenya Pipeline Company as seed capital for the project.
However, authorities have not explained how they will raise the remaining funds needed to complete the expansion. More than Ksh355 billion is still required for the project.
Chinese Firms Deepen Presence
Chinese contractors continue to play a major role in Kenya’s infrastructure sector. Several firms have participated in major projects across the country over the past decade.
These include the Nairobi Expressway, the Standard Gauge Railway, and ongoing highway developments.
Phase One Works
The first phase of the JKIA expansion will focus on upgrading existing infrastructure. Planned works include improvements to taxiways, passenger processing areas, access roads, and digital systems.
The government expects the project to transform JKIA into a modern regional aviation hub capable of handling growing passenger and cargo traffic.
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