Kenya is attracting growing interest from international construction companies seeking investment opportunities in the country’s housing and infrastructure sectors, with more than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries participating in the ninth edition of Big 5 Construct Kenya.
Speaking during the opening of the three-day exhibition at the Sarit Centre in Nairobi, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) President Eric Rutto said the event presented an opportunity to attract manufacturers, boost local production and strengthen Kenya’s position as a regional construction hub.
“Almost 15 companies are very much interested to establish their factories and their companies here in Kenya, either as distribution or production,” Rutto said.
He said the chamber would support the interested investors by conducting studies to assess the country’s suitability for manufacturing, including the availability of raw materials, the cost of electricity, suitable industrial locations and potential distribution partners.
Rutto said the investments could help address Kenya’s housing shortage while creating opportunities for local businesses through partnerships with international manufacturers.
“You know, currently in Kenya, we have a shortage of two million houses, and there’s another requirement of 250,000 that we have to be able to cover as a country,” he said.
He added that increased local production of construction materials would be critical to meeting the demand generated by the government’s affordable housing programme.
The exhibition features products ranging from roofing, walling and flooring materials to ceramics, plumbing systems, electrical and mechanical installations, construction equipment and household appliances.
Rutto said some of the manufacturers represented at the exhibition were already producing materials for different market segments, including affordable housing.
“They’re saying that their production in terms of affordability, 70 per cent goes to the affordable segment and 30 per cent goes to the high-class segment,” he said.
He argued that attracting such manufacturers and providing appropriate incentives for local production could help lower barriers to housing development while creating employment and business opportunities.
Rutto also attributed the growing investor interest to the government’s affordable housing policy, saying consistency in policy direction was important in attracting both local and international businesses.
“The most important thing that the private sector looks at, both local private sector and international private sector, is that they look at the policy. And the policy must be long-term policy, consistent and not changing each and every time,” Rutto said.
He said Kenya could leverage its housing programme and growing construction market to attract investment in manufacturing and expand its reach across the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The exhibition has attracted companies from more than 25 countries, with official country pavilions representing Turkey, Italy, China, Germany and Egypt, among others.
According to Rutto, Italy has increased its participation from 17 companies in the previous edition to 21 companies this year.
Senior Vice President at DMG Events Josine Heijmans said the exhibition was intended to connect construction industry players with new products, technologies and potential business partners.
“We are very pleased this year to bring together over 150 exhibitors from more than 25 countries,” Josine said.
He added that the event would also feature discussions on architecture and design, technology and innovation, project management and sustainability.
Josine said Kenya’s demand for housing, transport and industrial infrastructure made it an important market for international construction companies.
“It’s also the gateway to East Africa,” he said, highlighting the country’s potential to connect investors with opportunities beyond its borders.
Meanwhile, KNCCI director and strategic partnerships adviser Nancy Muthoni said the exhibition would provide local businesses with opportunities to negotiate deals and establish partnerships with international investors.
“Today, every international company that is in real estate is looking to come into Kenya and to sign contracts and to sign deals,” Josine said.
She urged businesses seeking opportunities in the construction and real estate sectors to work with the chamber to establish connections with potential partners.
The exhibition runs for three days, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, investors and other industry stakeholders to explore opportunities in Kenya’s expanding construction market.
