STATE DEPARTMENT FOR AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT LEADS PRE-BID SESSION FOR JKIA MODERNIZATION PROJECT

Today, The Principal Secretary (PS) for Aviation and Aerospace Development Ms. Teresia Mbaika opened a successful pre-bid session for the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) modernization project, marking a pivotal milestone in the open international tender process.

The session featured indoor presentations, a comprehensive JKIA site tour, and interactive question-and-answer forums. These activities provided global bidders with a detailed understanding of the Kenyan government's vision for a state-of-the-art airport. The tender, open to participants worldwide, closes on April 23, 2026. It will be awarded on a least-cost basis to technically qualified firms, requiring up to 40% local content to ensure Kenyan involvement in the project.

On behalf of the Ministry of Roads and Transport, State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), PS Terry Mbaika officially opened the pre-tender meeting and site tour. "This is a project that Kenya is  proud to undertake as a country, one that is bound to enhance the role that JKIA/Nairobi plays as a key hub in Africa, strengthening the integrity of the infrastructure, utilities like access to the airport, including plumbing, fiber, and access to technology among other areas" said PS Mbaika.

She reiterated that the presence of the bidders underscored the global interest in Kenya's aviation transformation. JKIA’s passenger traffic stood at 8.9 million by the close of 2025, way beyond its 7.5 million capacity. With projected 7% annual growth, this modernization is essential to position Kenya as East Africa's premier aviation hub. Aviation contributes over Ksh 1.2 trillion (3.5% of GDP) yearly, supports 1.2 million jobs, and facilitates Ksh 4 trillion in tourism and trade."

The event offered bidders an immersive, on-the-ground view of the project scope, site conditions, regulatory framework, and stakeholder expectations. Through site visits, technical briefings, and interactive sessions, participants gained firsthand insights to submit competitive, compliant, and innovative proposals.

The PS thanked the bidders for the interest shown, and their swift response to this international open tender, and for investing time and resources to travel to Kenya which she termed as a mark of faith to the country. She urged them to leverage the opportunity fully, to get as much information as possible, network with local partners, gather data, and explore synergies to ensure they put in solid and competitive bids.

This cornerstone initiative of modernizing JKIA will accommodate rising air traffic, connect Kenya to 50+ international destinations, drive exports in horticulture, manufacturing, and tourism, and unlock sustainable economic growth for generations.