IMC Construction Kenya, a company linked to Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, has been named as part of a major consortium connected to the planned $2.9 billion expansion of Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

The project is one of the most significant aviation infrastructure developments in East Africa and is expected to strengthen Kenya’s position as a key travel, trade and logistics hub on the continent.

According to reports, the project is being led by China Communications Construction Company, a major Chinese state-owned infrastructure group, together with its subsidiary China Road and Bridge Corporation. IMC Construction Kenya is reported to be among the joint venture partners associated with the project.

The planned expansion is expected to increase passenger capacity at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport through the development of a new terminal and other major upgrades. A new runway is also expected to form part of the long-term airport development plan, aimed at improving aircraft movement capacity and easing pressure on the existing airport infrastructure.

JKIA is one of Africa’s most important airports, serving millions of passengers annually and acting as a major gateway for East Africa. The expansion comes at a time when several countries on the continent are investing heavily in modern airport infrastructure to attract tourism, business travel and international trade.

For IMC Construction Kenya, the reported involvement in the JKIA project marks a major regional milestone and reflects the growing role of African-linked companies in large-scale infrastructure development across the continent.

Chivayo has become increasingly visible in regional business circles, with interests linked to energy, construction and hospitality projects. His expanding footprint has placed him among a new generation of African business figures seeking to participate in strategic projects beyond their home markets.

The JKIA expansion is also expected to support Kenya’s broader economic ambitions by improving aviation capacity, boosting connectivity and positioning Nairobi as a stronger competitor in the African aviation sector.

Kenya faces growing regional competition from countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia, which are also expanding airport capacity and investing in aviation-linked development.

As the project moves forward, attention will be on delivery timelines, financing structures and the long-term impact of the expansion on Kenya’s economy and regional aviation leadership.

The development signals a major step in East Africa’s infrastructure race and highlights the growing importance of strategic partnerships in delivering large-scale projects across the continent.