Companies bidding for the planned upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will be required to demonstrate access to at least Ksh100 billion in liquid assets or financing, according to tender requirements issued by the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
The tender document states that bidders must provide proof of liquid assets, credit facilities, or other financial resources obtained within the last six months.
“The amount must be sufficient to meet the project’s cash flow requirements and shall be free from any contractual advance payments.”
The project will be implemented under a deferred payment model, meaning contractors will finance a significant portion of the work before receiving full payment. The successful bidder will receive 10 percent upfront after providing a bank guarantee, with the remaining payments tied to project milestones and completion.
“Bidders must submit a formal letter confirming their acceptance of the deferred payment terms.”
Contractors will also be required to provide a Ksh2.5 billion bid security, valid for 210 days, and submit key compliance documents, including NCA registration, a KRA tax compliance certificate, CR12 records, and a power of attorney.
The ministry has also made attendance at pre-bid meetings and site visits mandatory.
The requirements come amid continued public scrutiny of the JKIA expansion project, which previously sparked controversy over the proposed involvement of India’s Adani Group. More recently, allegations linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo to the project have renewed concerns about procurement transparency.
