Why Use People With Criminal Pasts?’ Lawyer Donald Kipkorir Slams KSh 375 Billion JKIA Tender Involving Chivayo

Prominent Nairobi lawyer Donald Kipkorir has sharply criticised the government’s planned KSh375 billion expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Kipkorir questioned both the procurement process and the involvement of controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

In a strongly worded statement posted on X, Kipkorir asked why Kenya was pursuing what he described as opaque arrangements instead of adopting the approach taken by Ethiopia and Rwanda, which have developed major international airports through what he termed “above-board” processes.

He also questioned the decision to involve individuals with controversial reputations in a project of national importance.

“Why is it so hard for our government to build a new international airport as Ethiopia and Rwanda have done in an above-board deal?” Kipkorir wrote.

“Why do we like to use people with criminal pasts? Is it so hard to undertake a multi-billion project with open transparency?”

His remarks come amid growing scrutiny of the airport expansion contract, in which Chivayo’s IMC Construction Kenya is participating as a joint venture partner with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC).

Chivayo, who has cultivated close ties with President William Ruto, has become a polarising figure due to his involvement in several high-profile government-linked contracts in southern Africa.

Kipkorir further questioned why a Zimbabwean contractor was involved in a strategic national infrastructure project, arguing that JKIA “deserves our respect and patriotism”.

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The criticism adds to mounting public debate over transparency and accountability in one of Kenya’s largest infrastructure projects, coming months after public opposition and corruption allegations derailed the proposed Adani Group deal at JKIA.

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