The Kenyan government has denied reports linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his company, IMC, to a US$2.8 billion airport infrastructure proje...
The Kenyan government has denied reports linking Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo and his company, IMC, to a US$2.8 billion airport infrastructure project, saying the company was never involved in the procurement process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said authorities had noted reports circulating in sections of the media and wanted to clarify the matter.
“The Government has taken note with serious concern reports appearing in sections of the media, particularly in the Standard newspaper,” Mwaura said.
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The government directly rejected claims that IMC had secured the multibillion-dollar airport contract. Officials said the company neither participated in the tender process nor had any connection to the project.
“We wish to clarify that the company referred to in those reports did not participate in this procurement process as a bidder and has no role, involvement or association whatsoever with this project,” the statement said.
According to the government, all companies that took part in the tender were required to disclose the identities of every organisation involved in their bids, including joint venture partners and associated entities.
Authorities said none of the submitted documents contained any reference to the company mentioned in the media reports. As a result, the company could not have been considered during the procurement process.
The government also criticised media organisations that carried the allegations, saying news outlets have a responsibility to ensure information is verified before publication.
“It is important that media houses uphold their duty to provide accurate and verified information to the public and avoid spreading misinformation, whether intentionally or through negligence,” the statement said.
Officials urged members of the public to disregard the reports and instead rely on official government communication and verified sources for information relating to the project.
The government further called on media houses that published the claims to retract their reports.
Despite the controversy, Kenyan authorities said they remain committed to delivering the airport infrastructure project through a transparent and competitive procurement process.
“The Government remains fully committed to delivering this landmark project in a transparent, competitive and accountable manner, ensuring value for public investment while positioning Kenya to remain the premier aviation hub of East Africa for generations to come,” the statement said.
The denial follows widespread speculation across regional media linking Chivayo and IMC to the high-profile project. The reports sparked discussions in political and business circles in several African countries.
