The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development has announced a tender for the design, development, and modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for the 2025–2026 financial year.
In a notice dated Tuesday, March 3, the department invited eligible contractors to submit sealed bids for the project, clearly marked with the tender number, and to deposit them in the tender box at Transcom House by April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
“The State Department of Aviation and Aerospace Department invites sealed bids from eligible tenderers for the procurement of works contract (Design & Build) for the Proposed Design, Development and Modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, Kenya,” read part of the notice.
The State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development also added that there will be mandatory Pre-bid and site visits at JKIA, Nairobi, on April 8 and 9, 2026.
How to Apply for Government JKIA Tenders
To apply, bidders must register their business and obtain a KRA Tax Compliance Certificate.
They should ensure that they register on the e-GP or IFMIS Supplier Portal via eCitizen. However, if one is a Youth, Woman, or Person with a disability (PWD), they should register for the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO) program to access reserved tenders.
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The following are the details required during the application:
- KRA PIN Certificate
- Valid Tax Compliance Certificate
- CR12 Form (for limited companies)
- Business Permit/License
- AGPO Certificate (if applicable)
- Detailed Company Profile
To qualify, one must prepare their bid in accordance with all instructions and submit it electronically or physically before the deadline, ensuring compliance with all requirements.
KAA Unveils 20-Year Masterplan for JKIA
The government previously announced an ambitious 20-year master plan to transform JKIA into a world-class aviation hub capable of handling large numbers of passengers.
According to the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the upgrade is expected to ease congestion, enhance operational efficiency, and improve the overall passenger experience at JKIA.
However, Kenyans have raised concerns that the tender could pave the way for the possible return of the Adani Group, which was initially awarded the tender in 2024.
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Analysts argue that the blueprint is heavily influenced by the preliminary feasibility studies conducted during the aborted negotiations, effectively laying the groundwork for a revised, potentially re-branded bid from the conglomerate.
The original Adani proposal sought a 30-year operational concession in exchange for upgrading the aviation hub, but was rejected by aviation workers and civil society groups.
They noted that the program was not conducted on a transparent basis, with negotiations and unfavorable revenue-sharing terms leading to the abrupt cancellation of the multimillion-dollar project.
Additionally, in November 2024, President William Ruto canceled the lease deal with India’s Adani Group for the main international airport after a New York court charged Adani’s directors with a multimillion-dollar bribery and fraud scheme.
The Adani Group was set to invest $1.85bn in Kenya’s main airport in exchange for a 30-year contract to run it, as well as a $736m deal with the energy ministry to construct power lines.
Under the airport proposal made in March 2024, the upgrades would involve a new runway and an improved passenger terminal at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The proposal also highlighted that the airport project would be highly dependent on favorable tax policies from the Kenyan government.
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