NAIROBI, June 11 – Kenya has selected a Chinese construction company to undertake a major upgrade and expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in a project valued at approximately $2.9 billion.
According to Bloomberg reports, the Kenyan government awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract to China Communications Construction Company to modernize and expand the country’s largest airport.
The planned development marks a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and position Nairobi as a leading regional transport and logistics hub.
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport serves as East Africa’s busiest airport and a critical gateway for passenger travel, cargo transportation and international trade.
The reported award comes roughly two years after a proposed airport concession agreement involving India’s Adani Group was canceled, prompting authorities to explore alternative options for the long-awaited modernization project.
The airport expansion is expected to increase passenger handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and support growing air traffic demand across the region.
Kenya has been investing heavily in transportation infrastructure as part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity, attract investment and strengthen its role as a regional commercial center.
Improved airport infrastructure is also viewed as critical for supporting tourism, trade and cargo logistics, all of which play important roles in the country’s economy.
As one of Africa’s leading aviation markets, Kenya has seen sustained growth in passenger traffic and freight volumes over the past decade, increasing pressure on existing airport facilities.
The modernization project is expected to include upgrades to terminals, operational infrastructure and capacity expansion measures aimed at accommodating future growth.
If completed as planned, the investment would rank among the largest airport infrastructure projects currently underway on the continent.
The development also reflects the continued role of Chinese companies in financing and delivering major infrastructure projects across Africa, particularly in transportation, energy and logistics sectors.
Further details regarding the project timeline, financing structure and construction schedule have yet to be officially announced.
