The government has dismissed claims linking controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), maintaining that neither the businessman nor his company took part in the procurement process.
Speaking on Thursday, June 18, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir addressed reports suggesting that Chivayo's IMC Construction company had obtained a stake in the multi-billion-shilling airport upgrade project.
During a media briefing in Nairobi, Chirchir said the firm neither submitted a bid nor participated in any consortium involved in the tender.
“I wish to clarify the misinformation that is out there. We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role whatsoever in this project,” Chirchir said.
The CS noted that all bidders were required to disclose partners in joint ventures through legally binding declarations, making it impossible for undisclosed entities to be involved in the process.
His statement comes amid heightened scrutiny over the JKIA expansion tender, a project the government argues is essential to accommodate growing passenger numbers and increased cargo traffic.
Chirchir disclosed that the airport's masterplan and feasibility study were prepared over a 12-month period, running from February 2025 to February 2026, before the tender documents were developed.
According to the CS, the project will be implemented in three phases: upgrading the existing airfield, refurbishing the current passenger terminal, and constructing a new terminal.
“The government wishes to assure the public that every step of the bidding process has been undertaken fairly and transparently and in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act,” he stated.
Chirchir also challenged reports placing the project's cost at about KSh375 billion, saying the figure had been exaggerated and that no contract had yet been awarded.
“The government does not anticipate the contract award to exceed Ksh154.2 billion. The figure of Ksh375 billion, which you see in a section of the media, is three times the real cost,” Chirchir said.
He added that the government is still structuring financing for the project and has enlisted Trade Development Bank and Africa Finance Corporation to act as lead arrangers.
The Transport CS further indicated that construction is expected to take about three years once the contract is awarded and work officially commences.
