The Kenyan Government has taken a major step towards transforming Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) into a world class aviation facility following the signing of the Engineer Consultant Contract for the airport’s ambitious modernization project, a landmark initiative expected to strengthen the country’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation and logistics hub.
The signing ushers in the consultancy phase of the project, paving the way for the comprehensive redevelopment of Kenya’s busiest airport through design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision. The modernization programme is designed to deliver a modern airport that meets international standards while enhancing operational efficiency, passenger experience, safety and long term sustainability.
The contract was signed by Principal Secretary for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika on behalf of the Ministry of Roads and Transport and George Fares, Senior Partner at Dar Al Handasah Consultants, in the presence of Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir and senior officials from the Government and the consultancy firm.
Dar Al Handasah, one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary engineering consultancies, has been entrusted with overseeing the consultancy component of the project. Renowned for delivering complex airport and transport infrastructure across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, the firm is expected to leverage its extensive global expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the modernization programme in line with internationally accepted engineering standards.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering a project that embodies excellence, accountability and prudent utilization of public resources.
“We expect the highest level of standards and value for money in this project,” Chirchir said, emphasizing that every stage of the project will be guided by quality, transparency and efficiency.
Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika described the modernization programme as a transformative national investment that will deliver significant economic dividends and reinforce Kenya’s competitiveness in the global aviation industry.
“We are keen to deliver to Kenyans an asset that will be a catalyst to the economy,” Mbaika said.
She noted that the redevelopment of JKIA will stimulate growth in critical sectors including tourism, trade, logistics, investment and hospitality while creating an enabling environment for increased economic activity and regional connectivity.
The modernization project forms part of the Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at positioning JKIA as Africa’s premier aviation gateway and a leading regional air cargo hub. Upon completion, the upgraded airport is expected to substantially increase passenger and cargo handling capacity, improve operational resilience, enhance safety systems and elevate the overall travel experience for millions of passengers annually.
The investment is also expected to reinforce Nairobi’s strategic position as a regional commercial and transportation hub by attracting more international airlines, facilitating seamless movement of goods and people, and strengthening Kenya’s role as a gateway to the African continent.
Beyond aviation, the project is anticipated to generate far reaching socio economic benefits through increased trade, enhanced investor confidence, expanded tourism opportunities and the creation of employment across multiple sectors of the economy. It also underscores the Government’s determination to invest in modern infrastructure that supports sustainable development and accelerates national economic transformation.
As Kenya continues to implement strategic infrastructure projects under its long term development agenda, the modernization of JKIA stands out as one of the country’s most consequential investments.
The signing of the consultancy contract marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards delivering a globally competitive airport capable of meeting future aviation demands while reinforcing Kenya’s status as a preferred destination for business, trade and international travel.
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