The Kenyan government has reopened bidding for the modernization of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi under a design-and-build procurement model, after canceling an earlier proposal involving India’s Adani Group.
The new tender was issued March 3 by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and covers the construction of a new airport facility as well as upgrades to existing infrastructure at the country’s main international gateway.
Speaking at a media briefing, Kenya Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir said the government strongly supports the project, describing it as “a bold and strategic step toward transforming JKIA into a modern, world-class aviation hub.”
The Kenya Airports Authority said, “As KAA, we are proud to take this significant step in advancing Kenya’s aviation infrastructure. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth, operational excellence, and positioning JKIA as a leading gateway in Africa and beyond.”
In November 2024, the Kenyan government canceled a proposed $1.85 billion expansion deal with India’s Adani Group, which had sought to add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal in exchange for a 30-year lease. That deal was scrapped after legal challenges, sustained public pressure, and the indictment of the group’s founder, Gautam Adani, in the U.S. on an alleged bribery scheme.
Kenya’s government has previously said that JKIA is operating beyond its intended capacity. JKIA handled roughly 9 million passengers in 2025, exceeding its original design capacity of 7.5 million passengers annually. Passenger traffic is projected to surpass 22 million by 2045, highlighting the need for major infrastructure upgrades to accommodate future demand.
Related Content
