The government has strongly denied reports linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the planned expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said neither Chivayo nor his company, IMC Construction, was involved in the airport project’s bidding process.
Speaking during a media briefing, Chirchir stated that the ministry had no records connecting the businessman to any of the submitted proposals.
“We do not know this gentleman. I only saw him in media reports. He does not appear in any of our project documents,” the CS said.
Chirchir explained that the procurement process had already narrowed down the list of interested companies.
More than 40 firms initially expressed interest in the project, but only two remain under consideration after a thorough evaluation process.
The two shortlisted companies are Chinese firms China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Sinohydro.
According to the CS, the tender review process is still underway, and no company has been awarded the contract. He emphasized that transparency and accountability remain key priorities throughout the exercise.
The clarification comes amid increasing scrutiny from civil society groups, legislators, and legal stakeholders. A lobby group has already moved to court seeking greater transparency in the multibillion-shilling procurement process.
The government estimates that the airport expansion will cost no more than Sh154.2 billion. Chirchir noted that the projected cost is lower than that of many comparable airport developments across Africa.
He explained that construction at JKIA is expected to cost approximately $3,900 (Sh504,777) per square metre. This is below the continental average of $4,500 (Sh582,435) per square metre.
The briefing was also attended by Aviation and Aerospace Development Principal Secretary Teresiah Mbaika and Moses Wekesa, Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority.
The officials reiterated that no agreement has been signed and assured Kenyans that the project will be implemented in a manner that delivers value for public funds.
By distancing itself from Chivayo, the government hopes to put an end to speculation surrounding the project and strengthen public confidence in the procurement process.
Once completed, the JKIA expansion is expected to modernize Kenya’s busiest airport and reinforce its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.