The Government of Kenya has taken a major step towards the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) following the signing of the Engineer-Consultant Contract for the airport’s planned expansion and redevelopment program.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport, Davis Chirchir, witnessed the signing of the contract appointing Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to provide design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision services for the JKIA Modernization Project.
In a statement dated July 16, Chirchir noted that the Dar Al-Handasah’s expertise will contribute to meeting international standards in the aviation sector.
“The contract appoints Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to undertake design review, project management, contract administration, and construction supervision for the proposed design, development, and modernization of JKIA,” Davis Chirchir noted.
JKIA Modernization Project Moves to Implementation Phase
Under the newly signed contract, the Dar Al-Handasah firm, which was earlier involved in the integration of the Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport on behalf of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), will oversee the implementation of the proposed design, development and modernization of JKIA.
Further, the consultants will ensure that construction activities meet the project’s technical, operational and quality requirements.
According to the Ministry of Roads and Transport, the consultant will guide the project through its implementation stage by supervising works, administering contracts and ensuring compliance with approved designs and international aviation standards.
During the signing ceremony, Chirchir described the contract as a major milestone in the government’s efforts to modernize JKIA and improve the country’s aviation infrastructure.
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KSh154.2 Billion Upgrade to Expand JKIA Capacity and Services
Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika signed a KSh154.2 billion contract for the JKIA Modernization and Development Project on behalf of the government.
At the same time, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was represented by its General Manager, Yu Xiaodong.
According to the government, the scope of the project includes the construction of a new terminal building and supporting facilities, modernization and upgrading of existing airport infrastructure, and improvements to both airside and landside operations.
The procurement process for the project commenced upon the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026, with a pre-bid conference held in April 2026 involving over 40 companies.
In May 2026, the tender closed, leading to an evaluation of technical and financial merits and the signing of the CRBC contract on June 23, awarding China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) a KSh154.2 billion design-and-build contract for JKIA modernization.
Among those present during the signing ceremony were KAA Managing Director Eng. Moses Wekesa, legal representatives from the Ministry and CRBC, as well as senior officials from KAA, the Ministry of Transport and the contracted firms.
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JKIA Master Plan
The modernization project is based on recommendations contained in the Integrated Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport prepared by Dar Al-Handasah for KAA.
At JKIA, the consultant developed a long-term planning framework to accommodate more than 22 million passengers annually by 2045.
Beyond aviation infrastructure, the plan positions JKIA as a catalyst for wider economic development through the proposed Airport City and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Meanwhile, the Airport City concept proposes a mixed-use development incorporating educational facilities, healthcare services, hospitality investments, retail centers, and meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) facilities.
In addition to the MICE facilities proposal, the master planning study also examined development needs at Wilson Airport, including runway requirements, terminal expansion, and transport planning.
About Dar Al-Handasah Consultants
Dar Al-Handasah was founded in 1956 in Beirut, Lebanon, by Kamal A. Shair.
The firm is privately owned, with equity held by senior employees and the Shair family and is a part of the Sidara group.
Talal K. Shair currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of the firm, which has employed over 10,000 professionals across more than 60 offices in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe, specializing in engineering, architecture, planning, and project management.
Among the major projects under the firm are Lebanon’s Rafic Hariri International Airport and Beirut reconstruction.
Further, the firm was involved in Saudi Arabia’s Hara main High-Speed Railway and Abraj Al-Bait Towers, Qatar’s Lusail developments, and Kenya’s JKIA Integrated Master Plan with Airport City/SEZ planning.
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