NAIROBI, Kenya, June 19 — The Kenyan government has denied reports that a company linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has won the contract to expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said no contract has been signed and dismissed claims linking Chivayo to the JKIA expansion process.
The denial follows online debate over procurement, foreign investors and the future of Kenya’s main international airport.
No Award Made, Government Says
Chirchir said the JKIA upgrade procurement is still ongoing and that no final award has been made.
He said the process was conducted through open international competitive bidding in line with Kenya’s public procurement laws.
Reports had claimed that Chivayo-linked interests were involved in a multibillion-shilling airport expansion deal.
Project Cost Put at About KSh154 Billion
The government has also rejected higher figures circulating online.
Chirchir said the final contract is not expected to exceed about KSh154.2 billion.
This is close to earlier Treasury estimates that placed the JKIA upgrade cost at about KSh155 billion.
Debate Over Local, Foreign and PPP Models
The controversy has revived debate over how Kenya should finance and deliver major infrastructure projects.
Some Kenyans argue that strategic assets such as JKIA should remain under strong local control.
Others say foreign capital or public-private partnerships can help deliver faster upgrades if the process is transparent and competitive.
JKIA Upgrade Plans Still Ongoing
Despite the controversy, the government says plans to modernise and expand JKIA are still active.
The airport remains central to Kenya’s aviation, tourism, logistics and regional trade ambitions.
A successful upgrade would be expected to improve passenger handling, cargo capacity, airline operations and Kenya’s competitiveness as an aviation hub.
Transparency Now Key
The latest denial places fresh pressure on the government to communicate clearly on procurement, financing and timelines.
For a project of national importance, public trust will depend on open disclosure, competitive bidding and strong oversight.
Conclusion
The government’s position is clear: no JKIA expansion contract has been awarded to Wicknell Chivayo or his company.
With the procurement process still ongoing, attention now shifts to how Kenya will structure the project, select contractors and protect public interest while upgrading its most important airport.
Read Also: Raila Odinga International Stadium Nears AFCON Readiness
