Chivayo's firm bags stake in US$2.9 billion Kenya airport tender

Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a foothold in one of East Africa's largest infrastructure projects after his company, IMC Construction Kenya, was awarded a stake in the US$2.9 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, a development that sheds new light on his growing business interests in Kenya and his close ties with William Ruto.

Sources familiar with the transaction said state-owned China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) partnered with its subsidiary, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), and IMC Construction Kenya in a joint venture that was awarded the lucrative airport expansion contract.

The project represents a significant breakthrough for Chivayo, whose business empire has expanded rapidly beyond Zimbabwe in recent years.

IMC Construction Kenya is wholly owned by Chivayo, 45, who has cultivated strong political and business connections in Kenya and has become a frequent visitor to Nairobi and Kenya's State House.

The expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects currently underway in Africa. Kenya is expected to contribute approximately US$1.3 billion towards the project, with the balance financed through a combination of local and Chinese funding arrangements.

To ensure the project proceeds without the financing challenges that derailed previous attempts, Kenya established a National Infrastructure Fund capitalised through proceeds from the privatisation of the Kenya Pipeline Company.

The airport expansion is expected to significantly transform East Africa's busiest aviation hub.

Plans include the construction of a new passenger terminal capable of handling an additional 15 million travellers annually. A new runway, scheduled for completion by 2029, will increase aircraft handling capacity from 14 to 63 movements per hour.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport currently processes approximately 8.8 million passengers annually, already exceeding its original design capacity of eight million passengers.

The contract was re-tendered after Kenya cancelled an earlier agreement awarded to India's Adani Group in 2024. The original deal, valued at an estimated US$1.85 billion, faced opposition from labour unions and public interest groups who raised concerns about its terms, while the company also came under scrutiny following a United States corruption investigation.

Following a fresh competitive bidding process earlier this year, the contract was awarded to the CCCC-led consortium last week.

For Chivayo, the deal marks another major addition to a growing portfolio of large-scale infrastructure projects across the continent.

In Zimbabwe, companies linked to him have secured contracts valued at nearly US$1 billion, including a US$173 million solar power project in Gwanda, a US$163 million contract to rehabilitate Munyati Power Station and a US$131 million contract for the 30MW Gairezi hydroelectric project.

His regional footprint has also expanded into Tanzania, where IMC Construction is reportedly developing two luxury five-star hotels in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions at a combined cost estimated at US$200 million.

A close ally of Emmerson Mnangagwa, Chivayo has leveraged political and business relationships across Africa, frequently appearing alongside heads of state and senior government officials from several countries including Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa.

At home, Chivayo has become one of Zimbabwe's most polarising public figures. While critics have questioned the source of his wealth and his proximity to political power, supporters point to his extensive philanthropic activities, which have seen him donate vehicles, houses and substantial cash gifts to churches, sports personalities, musicians, community heroes and ordinary citizens.

Recent reports estimate that his charitable donations exceeded US$200 million during 2025 alone.

The airport project comes at a time when East African nations are competing aggressively to expand aviation infrastructure and position themselves as regional transport hubs.

Rwanda is constructing the new Bugesera International Airport, which is expected to handle up to 14 million passengers annually upon completion, while Tanzania has expanded capacity at Julius Nyerere International Airport to eight million passengers per year.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia has embarked on construction of a massive new airport at Bishoftu that is designed to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually, underscoring the growing competition among African aviation hubs.

Against this backdrop, the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport is expected to strengthen Kenya's position as a leading gateway for trade, tourism and investment in Africa, while providing IMC Construction Kenya with its most prominent project to date.