The Kenyan government has completely refuted reports circulating about a massive $1.2-billion project aimed at expanding Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in the capital city, Nairobi. In an official statement, the government insisted that IMC Construction—a company linked to controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo—neither participated in the procurement process nor won any tender related to the project.
The denial follows widespread reports across various Zimbabwean state-owned and private media outlets claiming that IMC Construction, in a joint venture with a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), had secured the multi-billion-dollar tender to expand Kenya’s busiest airport.
Kenya’s Transport Cabinet Secretary, Davis Chirchir, issued a formal statement on Thursday dismissing the media reports as entirely false and misleading. “The government has taken note with serious concern reports appearing in sections of the media,” Chirchir said. “We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports (IMC Construction) did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project. They also are not part and parcel of the contractors who submitted bids to this tender.”
The Cabinet Secretary added that under procurement regulations, all bidders are strictly required to disclose the identities of every participant in their joint ventures, and that IMC Construction’s name does not appear anywhere in the submitted documents.
Furthermore, the Kenyan government disputed the project valuation reported by Zimbabwean media. According to Minister Chirchir, the total cost of the airport expansion program will cap at a maximum of 154.2 billion Kenyan Shillings (approximately $1.2 billion USD)—significantly lower than the $2.9 billion figure claimed in the media.
This major expansion project will be financed primarily through loans from international development finance institutions. Its primary goal is to upgrade JKIA’s annual passenger handling capacity from its current 7.5 million to 22 million. The planned works include the construction of a new passenger terminal, the rehabilitation of existing terminals, and extensive upgrades to airfield infrastructure.
Detailing the scope of work, the minister stated, “This will include an upgrade and expansion of the existing terminal buildings, rehabilitation of the existing airfield, and a construction of new green field terminal facilities, airfield infrastructure, aircraft aprons, taxiways, utility networks, access roads, aviation systems, operational support facilities and all associated infrastructure required for a modern international airport.”
While the Kenyan government has not yet publicly disclosed the identity of the successful contractor or consortium selected for the project, President William Ruto recently indicated that construction works at JKIA are expected to commence this coming July. This development comes nearly two years after a previous airport expansion agreement with India’s Adani Group was canceled following intense public protests and controversy.
Speculation linking Wicknell Chivayo to the massive infrastructure project intensified following his recent high-profile visit to Kenya, during which he met with President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi.
Chivayo remains one of Zimbabwe’s most polarizing and controversial business figures. Over the years, his companies—including IMC Construction and Intratrek Zimbabwe—have secured several lucrative, high-value government contracts, particularly in the energy sector. His business career has drawn both praise and heavy criticism; while supporters view him as a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist, critics frequently question the circumstances under which his firms are awarded state contracts.
