The Kenyan government has appointed Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to oversee the Ksh154.2 billion modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), marking a major step in the redevelopment of the country’s busiest aviation gateway.

The engineer-consultant contract gives the global engineering firm responsibility for design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision for the JKIA expansion project. The consultancy will ensure the airport upgrade meets approved designs, technical requirements, safety standards and international aviation benchmarks.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir witnessed the signing of the agreement, describing the appointment as a key milestone in the government’s plan to transform JKIA into a modern aviation hub that can support rising passenger numbers, cargo movement, tourism and investment.

The project is being implemented by the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) and includes construction of a new passenger terminal, upgrades to existing airport facilities, improvements to runways and passenger areas, and development of supporting infrastructure.

Project details

Dar Al-Handasah Consultants will supervise the implementation of the proposed design, development and modernisation of JKIA, ensuring construction activities comply with approved plans and international aviation standards.

The appointment follows the government’s award of the Ksh154.2 billion design-and-build contract to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), which will undertake the main construction works.

Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika signed the contract on behalf of the government, while CRBC was represented by its General Manager Yu Xiaodong.

The two contracts place CRBC in charge of delivering the airport infrastructure while Dar Al-Handasah will provide oversight to ensure quality, compliance and timely execution.

Dar Al-Handasah was selected partly because of its previous role in shaping JKIA’s future development. The firm prepared the Integrated Master Plans for JKIA and Wilson Airport on behalf of KAA, providing the long-term blueprint that guides the airport’s expansion.

The master plan seeks to position JKIA as a regional aviation and economic hub capable of handling more than 22 million passengers annually by 2045.

Founded in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1956, Dar Al-Handasah is part of the Sidara group and has a global presence across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. The consultancy has worked on major infrastructure projects, including airport developments, transport networks and large-scale urban projects.

Airport future

Beyond the terminal expansion, the JKIA modernisation project is designed to support wider economic development through the proposed Airport City and Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

The Airport City concept includes hotels, healthcare facilities, education institutions, retail centres and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities. MICE facilities are venues designed to host business meetings, international conferences, exhibitions and corporate events.

The proposed developments are expected to create opportunities in hospitality, logistics, trade and real estate while strengthening Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation centre.

The procurement process for the JKIA project began after completion of the airport’s Master Plan in February 2026. More than 40 companies participated in a pre-bid conference held in April before the tender closed in May.

Following technical and financial evaluation, the government awarded CRBC the Ksh154.2 billion design-and-build contract on June 23, 2026. The appointment of Dar Al-Handasah as engineer-consultant now moves the project into the implementation phase.

The JKIA modernisation programme is expected to improve passenger experience, increase airport capacity and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in regional aviation, trade and investment.