Kenya is looking to convert its large housing shortfall and expanding infrastructure projects into an industrial opening for foreign construction-materials manufacturers, with the aim of establishing local factories and using the country as a gateway to East and Central African markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) reports that roughly 15 overseas firms have shown interest in setting up production or distribution operations in Kenya, and the chamber will carry out feasibility assessments covering raw-material supply, electricity costs, production expenses and suitable locations.
KNCCI president Erick Rutto said the chamber intends to link these investors with Kenyan companies that can provide distribution networks and market access, noting that the organisation represents more than 60,000 members.
The drive follows interest generated by the ninth edition of the Big Five Construct Kenya exhibition at Sarit Centre, which attracted over 150 exhibitors from more than 25 countries, including Italy, Turkey, China, Germany and Egypt. “We have talked to the exhibitors who are here today, and they are very much interested to do business-to-business matchmaking, to be able to get Kenyan companies,” Rutto said.
Exhibitors are targeting a wide range of products such as ceramics, roofing, walling, flooring, electrical and mechanical installations and plumbing equipment. Some already serve the affordable-housing segment, offering an opportunity to supply Kenya’s housing programme while building capacity for regional markets.
“If we are able to attract them and provide incentives for local production, definitely, we are going to achieve the target of covering the over two million houses that we need, and also we are going to make Kenya a hub for Africa, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area,” Rutto added, stressing the need for long-term, consistent policy. “The most important thing that the private sector looks at, both local and international, is policy. The policy must be long-term, consistent and not changing every time,” he said.
KNCCI estimates the housing deficit at about two million units with an annual requirement of 250,000 units. Local manufacturing could lower reliance on imported finished materials, generate employment and improve supply for housing projects. Some manufacturers at the exhibition indicated that roughly 70 per cent of their output serves the affordable-housing segment.
Senior vice-president of DMG Events Josine Heijmans said the exhibition provides a platform for suppliers to showcase products, compare market opportunities and engage potential customers and business partners. She noted, “We know there is strong investment in housing, transport and wider infrastructure projects in Kenya. The country is also the gateway to East Africa, bringing together stakeholders and creating opportunities that go beyond the local market.”
Among the foreign firms seeking Kenyan opportunities are Turkish General Makina, which produces stone-crushing equipment and concrete batching plants and is looking for customers and partnerships, and Sharjah-based Royal Industries, targeting the market with construction chemicals, sports flooring and prefabricated steel structures. RIB Software also aims to expand its digital tools for contractors.
KNCCI director Nancy Muthoni said the chamber will use its business networks to facilitate partnerships between Kenyan enterprises and foreign investors. She cautioned that the feasibility of such investments will hinge on production costs, raw-material access, energy prices and the stability of government policies.
