The government has dismissed reports connecting controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo with the multi-billion-shilling expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), stating that neither Chivayo nor his firm was involved in the procurement process.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir addressed the issue on Thursday, June 18, after media reports claimed that Chivayo’s IMC Construction company had obtained a stake in the planned modernization of the main airport.
During a press briefing in Nairobi, Chirchir said the company did not submit a bid and was not part of any consortium involved in the tender process.
“I wish to clarify the misinformation that is out there. 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 whatsoever in this project,” Chirchir said.
The CS said all companies taking part in the tender were required to declare all partners involved in joint ventures through legally binding statements.
He said the expansion is necessary to handle growing passenger and cargo traffic.
Chirchir said the airport expansion masterplan and feasibility study were prepared over one year, from February 2025 to February 2026, before the government began drafting tender documents.
The project will include three key components: upgrading the existing airfield, renovating the current terminal, and building a new passenger terminal.
“The government wishes to assure the public that every step of the bidding process has been undertaken fairly and transparently and in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act,” he said.
He also rejected claims that the project would cost about Ksh375 billion, saying the circulating figure is overstated and that no final contract has been signed.
“The government does not anticipate the contract award to exceed Ksh154.2 billion. The figure of Ksh375 billion, which you see in a section of the media, is three times the real cost,” Chirchir said.
Chirchir also said Trade Development Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation have been engaged as lead arrangers.
The Transport CS said the expansion works are expected to be completed within three years after the contract is awarded and construction begins.