Mbadi: JKIA expansion to cost Sh155.34 billion, not Sh375.4 billion
Mbadi said the government’s estimates for the airport modernisation project are significantly lower than figures circulating in the public domain and.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi before the Senate on June 17, 2026. (Photo: X/John Mbadi)
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has clarified that the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will cost about US$1.2 billion (about Sh155.34 billion), dismissing reports that placed the figure at US$2.9 billion (about Sh375.4 billion).
Appearing before the Senate on Wednesday, Mbadi said the government’s estimates for the airport modernisation project are significantly lower than figures circulating in the public domain and should not be relied upon.
“I know it has been reported that JKIA is going to cost $2.9 billion,” Mbadi told senators.
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“The figure that I know is $1.2 billion.”
Mbadi assured that the financing model for the project has been carefully structured and would not place additional strain on Kenya’s sovereign debt position. He said the government has undertaken detailed assessments to ensure the expansion proceeds within a sustainable borrowing framework.
Mbadi made the revelation while responding to a question raised by Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.
The clarification comes amid heightened public scrutiny following reports that Kenya had awarded a multi-billion-dollar contract for the modernisation of the country’s main international airport to a Chinese contractor.
The project is reportedly expected to be undertaken by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), alongside its subsidiary China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as part of a wider infrastructure partnership arrangement.
According to reporting by ZimLive, IMC Construction Kenya, a firm linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, is also said to be part of the joint venture structure involved in the JKIA expansion project.
The report further states that Chivayo, who is the sole owner of IMC Construction Kenya, has had growing business interests in Nairobi and has been seen in engagements in Kenya, including at events linked to President William Ruto’s administration.
The previous public-private partnership arrangement linked to Adani Group was terminated following public opposition, legal challenges and concerns over transparency and the management of a strategic national asset.
Government officials say the new arrangement seeks to avoid similar controversies while fast-tracking the modernisation of Kenya’s busiest airport.
The planned upgrades are expected to focus on expanding passenger handling capacity and reducing congestion at existing terminals.