Kenya’s Transport Ministry has signed a contract with Lebanon-founded engineering company Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to oversee engineering supervision for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion.
Speaking during the contract signing on Wednesday, July 15, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir stated that the firm will play a critical role in overseeing the implementation of the JKIA modernisation project. This will be inclusive of supervising construction works.
What will Dar Al-Handasah Do in the Project?
Also, the company will conduct design review, project management and contract administration. This will ensure that the project is delivered in line with approved engineering specifications, safety standards, quality requirements, timelines and budget.
“The consultant will provide engineering supervision and project management services for the implementation of the JKIA modernisation project,” Chirchir said.
“Their expertise will be instrumental in delivering a modern, efficient, safe, and sustainable airport that meets global standards. This marks the beginning of a critical implementation phase,” he added.
JKIA Modernisation: How Kenya will Gain from the Project
Additionally, the CS noted that the modernisation will strengthen Kenya’s position as Africa’s leading aviation gateway and regional air cargo hub. Kenya will join countries such as Morocco who also seek to upgrade their main airport, the Mohammed V International Airport.
Other than improving passenger experience and airport operations, the CS stated that the investment is expected to boost trade, tourism and regional connectivity. Moreover, it will create new employment opportunities.
While Dar Al-Handasah will provide engineering consultancy and oversee the project. However, the Ksh154 billion construction works will be undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
EPC Contractor
CRBC was appointed as the main Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor. It was selected following a competitive procurement process.
The procurement process has been underway for the past three months, following the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026, with more than 40 firms participating in a pre-bid conference held in April.
The modernisation works will entail the construction of a new passenger terminal. Additionally, it will entail improvements to both airside and landside operations to boost efficiency and service delivery.
Once completed, the combined expansion programme is expected to increase JKIA’s total capacity to about 22 million passengers annually.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Modernisation Project
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Project Owner: Government of Kenya (Ministry of Roads and Transport / Kenya Airports Authority)
Main Contractor (EPC): China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC)
Total Estimated Cost: Ksh 154.2 Billion ($1.2 Billion USD)
Target Capacity: 22 Million passengers annually (up from 7.5 million)
Core Construction Scope: New passenger terminal building, airside and landside operational upgrades, and overall infrastructure rehabilitation (no new runway in Phase 1).
Project Timeline and Procurement:
- February 2026: Finalization and completion of the comprehensive JKIA Master Plan.
- April 2026: Pre-bid conference hosted, drawing interest from over 40 local and international engineering firms.
- June 23, 2026: Official signing of the Ksh 154.2 billion Design-and-Build contract between the Ministry of Roads & Transport and CRBC.
- July 15, 2026: Engineering supervision and project management contract officially signed with lead consultant Dar Al-Handasah, initiating the formal implementation phase.
Project Team
Ministry of Roads and Transport (MoRT): Led by Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, providing executive state oversight.
State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development: Represented by Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika, who executed the contract on behalf of the Kenyan government.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC): The appointed Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) partner responsible for all physical design and build phases, led by General Manager Yu Xiaodong.
Dar Al-Handasah Consultants: Appointed to oversee independent engineering supervision, design reviews, quality control, budget adherence, and contract administration.
Kenya Airports Authority (KAA): The state corporation responsible for airport management, led by Managing Director Eng. Moses Wekesa.
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