Kenya has taken another major step in the modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), appointing Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to oversee the engineering supervision of the KSh154 billion expansion programme. The project, which includes a new passenger terminal and major operational upgrades, is expected to increase the airport’s annual capacity to 22 million passengers and reinforce Nairobi’s position as one of Africa’s leading aviation and air cargo hubs.

The Kenyan Ministry of Transport has signed an engineering consultancy agreement with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to supervise the implementation of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Modernisation Project, marking the beginning of the project’s execution phase.

The agreement, signed on 15 July 2026, appoints the internationally recognised engineering consultancy to oversee the technical implementation of the KSh154 billion airport expansion programme, one of the largest aviation infrastructure investments currently underway in East Africa.

Dar Al-Handasah to Oversee Engineering Supervision

Under the contract, Dar Al-Handasah will provide comprehensive engineering supervision and project management services throughout the implementation of the modernisation programme.

Its responsibilities include:

• supervising construction works;
• reviewing engineering designs;
• project management;
• contract administration;
• ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, safety standards, quality requirements, project timelines and budget.

Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said the consultancy’s expertise would be critical to delivering a modern, efficient and sustainable airport.

“The consultant will provide engineering supervision and project management services for the implementation of the JKIA modernisation project. Their expertise will be instrumental in delivering a modern, efficient, safe and sustainable airport that meets global standards,” Chirchir said.

CRBC Selected as EPC Contractor

While Dar Al-Handasah will oversee project implementation, the construction works will be carried out by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), which has been appointed as the project’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor following a competitive procurement process.

The procurement exercise followed the completion of the JKIA Master Plan in February 2026. More than 40 international firms participated in a pre-bid conference held in April, reflecting the strategic importance of the project.

New Terminal and Major Operational Upgrades

The JKIA expansion programme includes the construction of a new passenger terminal, alongside significant improvements to both airside and landside infrastructure.

The investment is designed to:

• improve passenger experience;
• enhance operational efficiency;
• strengthen airport safety and service quality;
• accommodate growing passenger and cargo traffic.

Upon completion, the combined expansion programme will increase JKIA’s annual handling capacity to approximately 22 million passengers, positioning the airport to meet long-term traffic growth.

Strengthening Nairobi’s Position as an African Aviation Hub

According to the Ministry of Transport, the modernisation project is expected to reinforce Kenya’s role as one of Africa’s leading aviation gateways and a strategic regional air cargo hub.

Beyond airport operations, the investment is expected to stimulate tourism, facilitate international trade, improve regional connectivity and create new employment opportunities across the aviation value chain.

As demand for air travel continues to grow across Africa, expanding JKIA’s infrastructure will also support Kenya Airways’ hub strategy and strengthen Nairobi’s competitiveness against other major African gateway airports.

Why It Matters

The JKIA modernisation programme represents one of the continent’s most significant airport infrastructure projects. By expanding capacity to 22 million passengers annually, Kenya is investing not only in aviation infrastructure but also in trade facilitation, tourism development and regional integration. Once completed, the upgraded airport is expected to enhance Nairobi’s role as a key passenger and cargo gateway connecting East Africa with global markets.