Kenya has invited the Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) of China to submit their expression of interest towards the upgrading of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), months after President William Ruto ordered the immediate termination of the India’s Adani Group planned takeover of the airport.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on April 22 met with President of BUCG International Raymond Luo, General Manager of Marketing Harold Huang, and Vice President for Southeast Africa Wei Zhang to discuss their expertise in airport construction.
BUCG is a leading enterprise in the construction industry in Beijing, with special-grade qualifications for general contracting of housing construction projects and highway projects.
The company has completed many national and municipal major projects, including Beijing Daxing International Airport, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the National Stadium, the National Grand Theatre, the National Museum, and the National Indoor Stadium.
The China National Sinology Centre, Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium, Beijing Olympic Village, Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport, and Beijing Yintai Centre are also major projects completed by the Chinese company.
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Kenya invites Beijing Urban Construction Group executives to submit a bid for the JKIA upgrade
The meeting between PCS Mudavadi and the BUCG’s executives came ahead of President Ruto’s State Visit to China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, in a statement, said that the executives shared insights from their 42 years of experience building over 30 airport terminals, runways, and specialised aviation facilities worldwide.
“Kenya needs a modernised Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to strengthen its position as a leading hub for Eastern Africa and the continent at large,” said PCS Mudavadi.
“I encouraged them to submit their expression of interest as Kenya prepares to invite contractors for the upcoming JKIA expansion.”
The announcement by Mudavadi comes after the Cabinet in February 2025 approved various reforms aimed at improving passenger experience, strengthening security, and streamlining operations at JKIA, which is set to undergo major restructuring.
Among the key changes is the upgrading of the airport’s infrastructure, including modernised baggage handling systems, improved stormwater drainage and access roads, installation of covered walkways, enhanced air conditioning, and clearer signage.
Other changes listed in the Cabinet despatch included the exemption of all African citizens from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements, a move expected to boost intra-African travel.
The Cabinet, chaired by President Ruto, also approved the increase in the duty-free threshold for goods brought into the country, which was raised from Ksh50,000 to Ksh250,000.
Further, security measures at the airport are set to be enhanced through a risk-based profiling system, which will ensure only flagged bags undergo manual inspection in a dedicated screening room.
“This is expected to reduce delays and improve efficiency in passenger clearance,” read part of the Cabinet despatch.
Cabinet approves major changes for JKIA upgrade
To eliminate long queues and speed up processing times, e-gates will be introduced, while the number of immigration booths and officers will be doubled to further ease congestion.
Also Read: Govt Ramps Up Security at JKIA to Save Kenyans Travelling Abroad
Additionally, the Cabinet noted that monitoring technology will be deployed to oversee airport staff, and all agency employees and retail concessionaires will be required to wear mandatory uniforms with visible name tags to enhance accountability.
Further, the Cabinet directed that meet-and-greet services at the airport be strictly regulated, ensuring that only licensed facilitators operate within the facility to maintain order and security.
“These measures take immediate effect as part of the government’s strategy to reinforce JKIA’s position as a leading aviation hub by improving operational efficiency, security, and overall passenger experience,” the dispatch adds.
The latest reforms at JKIA came just months after President Ruto cancelled a proposed deal that would have seen Indian conglomerate Adani Group take over operations at the airport.
Last year, the Head of State ordered the immediate termination of the Adani Group’s planned takeover of Kenya’s largest airport, citing fresh evidence from investigative agencies linking the company to corruption.
In his State of the Nation address, the President further instructed the relevant ministries to “immediately begin the process of onboarding new partners because these are important projects.”
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