Kenya is urgently seeking new partners to revamp Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), following the dramatic cancellation of the controversial Adani Group contract. The latest development? The government is now courting Chinese mega-firm Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) to take over the high-stakes project!

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi dropped the bombshell on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, during a high-level meeting with top BUCG executives—just days before President William Ruto’s high-profile visit to China.

“Kenya can’t afford to fall behind. We need a world-class airport, and we need it now,” Mudavadi declared after engaging BUCG’s international president Raymond Luo and other senior figures from the Chinese construction powerhouse.

With over four decades of global aviation expertise—including more than 30 international airport terminals under their belt—BUCG is being positioned as the leading candidate to salvage Kenya’s airport modernization plans.

The urgency of the talks comes hot on the heels of President Ruto’s bold move late last year, when he scrapped the Adani Group deal live during his State of the Nation address, citing “fresh intelligence” and credible corruption allegations. His administration was not swayed by efforts from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga or Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi to defend the Indian conglomerate.

“I said it then and I’ll say it again—corruption has no sanctuary in my administration,” Ruto stated at the time. “Based on the latest findings, I have ordered an immediate halt to all ongoing procurement tied to Adani at JKIA.”

Now, with Ruto en route to Beijing, expectations are soaring. His diplomatic mission aims not only to seal new infrastructure deals but to reset Kenya’s global alliances, prioritizing innovation, transparency, and rapid development.

He is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and lead the Kenya-China Business Forum, bringing together more than 100 firms eager to collaborate in tech, trade, tourism, and beyond.

This sudden pivot from India to China in one of Kenya’s largest infrastructure projects is sending shockwaves across diplomatic and business circles. Stay tuned—Kenya’s future may be taking off from a brand-new runway.