The proposal to upgrade Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has received a significant boost after the potential investors visited the airport to evaluate the project for themselves.
According to a press release from Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), the exercise is one of the preparatory activities before the tendering process of the upgrading of the airport commences.
The event gathered many companies interested in the upgrading of JKIA, which allowed them an opportunity to know what will happen when the upgrading process kicks off.
During the inspection, the investors were escorted through various sections of the airport, especially those earmarked for upgrading, by project consultants.
The areas inspected during the exercise include the airport runway, taxiways, and aircraft parking areas. They also went through the area marked out for the development of a new terminal building.
Other facilities visited included the fire station, power station, and the weather station that assist in daily operations within the airport.
Within the airport premises, they inspected Terminals 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, and Terminal 2, among others. Other parts toured include the passenger terminal building, baggage system, passenger car park, and access roads.
According to KAA, this tour was intended to give the bidders a clear understanding of the magnitude of the project as well as what is required in order for them to make the offer.
The airport enhancement project is set to commence in June this year and will require a budget of approximately KSh 20 billion.
Upon completion, it will be anticipated to enhance the capacity of the airport and help it carry more passengers into the future.
The project is part of an overall expansion strategy which will see the development of the airport until 2045.