Kenya’s planned Sh154.2 billion modernisation of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has received a significant vote of confidence following the appointment of internationally renowned engineering consultancy Dar Al-Handasah Consultants to oversee the landmark project.
The appointment of one of the world’s most respected infrastructure consultancies is expected to strengthen confidence in the project’s delivery, bringing decades of global experience in airport planning, design, project management and construction supervision to Kenya’s busiest aviation hub.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport, through the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, announced the signing of the Engineer-Consultant Contract appointing Dar Al-Handasah to undertake design review, project management, contract administration and construction supervision for the proposed design, development and modernisation of JKIA.
Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir described the signing as “another major milestone in our journey to transform Jomo Kenyatta International Airport into a world-class aviation hub.”
He said the consultant’s expertise would be instrumental in delivering “a modern, efficient, safe and sustainable airport that meets global standards,” adding that the project marks the beginning of a critical implementation phase that will strengthen Kenya’s position as Africa’s premier aviation gateway and regional air cargo hub. Beyond improving passenger experience and operational efficiency, he said the investment will boost trade, tourism, connectivity, economic growth and job creation.
According to the State Department, the consultant was selected through a competitive procurement process, underscoring the Government’s commitment to quality, accountability and fiscal prudence.
Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika said the Government remains focused on delivering infrastructure that serves as a catalyst for economic growth.
“We are keen to deliver to Kenyans an asset that will be a catalyst to the economy,” she said, reaffirming the State Department’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports growth in sectors such as tourism and trade.
The State Department added that the milestone reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to delivering modern aviation infrastructure that will position JKIA as Africa’s leading aviation gateway and regional air cargo hub while strengthening Kenya’s competitiveness, facilitating trade and tourism, and driving sustainable economic growth.
The selection of Dar Al-Handasah is widely seen as a strategic move given the firm’s global reputation in delivering complex infrastructure projects. Founded in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1956, the privately owned multidisciplinary consultancy specialises in engineering, architecture, planning, environmental services, project management and economics. It is the founding member of Sidara, formerly known as the Dar Group, one of the world’s largest engineering and design consulting collectives.
Today, the consultancy operates more than 60 offices across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe and employs over 10,000 professionals, with principal design and technical support centres in Beirut, Cairo, London, Pune and Amman.
Collectively, Dar Al-Handasah has delivered more than 4,500 major projects valued at over US$540 billion for nearly 1,000 clients worldwide. Its portfolio spans airports, transport infrastructure, buildings and other large-scale developments, giving it the technical expertise and international best practice required to oversee a project of JKIA’s scale and strategic importance.
With the consultant now formally appointed, Kenya’s long-awaited airport modernisation programme enters a crucial implementation phase, bringing the country closer to realising its ambition of developing a world-class aviation gateway capable of competing with Africa’s leading airports while supporting long-term economic growth.
