Kenya has appointed Dar Al-Handasah Consultants as the engineer-consultant for the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), advancing the implementation of the country’s KSh154.2 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion) airport redevelopment programme.
The consultancy will be responsible for design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision of the JKIA Modernisation Project, following the signing of the engineer-consultant agreement by the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
Announcing the appointment, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir described the agreement as a key milestone in transforming Kenya’s principal gateway into a modern, efficient, safe and sustainable airport capable of meeting international standards.
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The appointment follows the signing of the Design and Build contract for the project in June 2026 between the Government of Kenya and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), marking the transition from planning to implementation.
Major Expansion Programme
Valued at KSh154.2 billion, the modernisation programme will include the construction of a new passenger terminal, refurbishment of existing airport infrastructure, upgrades to airside and landside facilities, and improvements in operational efficiency and passenger services.
The government expects the investment to strengthen Kenya’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation gateways while supporting growth in air cargo, international trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
Officials also anticipate the project will generate employment opportunities and improve the airport’s overall competitiveness within the continent’s aviation sector.
Cargo Capacity to More Than Double by 2045
Beyond passenger infrastructure, cargo development remains a central objective of the JKIA Master Plan, completed in February 2026.
Based on 2024 traffic levels, the plan projects annual cargo throughput increasing from approximately 390,000 tonnesto 860,000 tonnes by 2045, reflecting Kenya’s ambitions to establish JKIA as a leading logistics and air freight hub in East Africa.
Currently, around 71% of cargo handled at JKIA is transported on dedicated freighter aircraft, while the remaining volumes move in the belly holds of scheduled passenger services.
The planned expansion is expected to provide the capacity required to accommodate future growth in Kenya’s export-oriented industries, particularly horticulture, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods.
Competitive Procurement Process
The engineer-consultant appointment follows a competitive procurement process initiated after completion of the JKIA Master Plan.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, more than 40 companies participated in the pre-bid conference held in April 2026 before technical and financial evaluations were undertaken.
The ministry organised site visits and bidder briefings in collaboration with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development to familiarise prospective participants with the project’s technical scope and operational requirements.
Aviation’s Economic Contribution
During the procurement process, Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaikaunderscored the strategic importance of aviation to Kenya’s economy.
She noted that the aviation sector contributes more than KSh1.2 trillion annually, supports approximately 1.2 million jobs, and facilitates over KSh4 trillion in tourism and trade activities each year.
According to the government, expanding JKIA’s infrastructure is essential to accommodating long-term passenger and cargo growth while supporting industries that rely heavily on international air connectivity, including horticulture, manufacturing and tourism.
Strengthening Kenya’s Regional Cargo Hub Ambitions
The JKIA modernisation programme forms part of Kenya’s broader strategy to position Nairobi as a leading aviation, logistics and air cargo gateway for East and Central Africa.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to deliver greater operational efficiency, increased cargo handling capacity, enhanced passenger experience and improved connectivity, reinforcing Kenya’s role in regional and global supply chains.
