Mega construction projects like Konza Smart City have earned Kenya a top slot when it comes top mega construction projects in East Africa, a 6W research commissioned by The Big 5 Construct East Africa has revealed.
Konza Smart City for instance, is a techno city worth USD 14.9 billion whose completion is slated for 2030. The city will have a central business district, a residential community, a university campus, a residential community and parks over 5,000 acres of land.
Also top in the list is Kenya’s SGR project that connects Mombasa and Nairobi. The SGR is designed to handle trains with a capacity of around 1,000 passengers with an average speed of 120 km/hr, also connecting the areas of Kilifi, Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Makueni, Kajiado, and Machakos. The project is expcted to be completed in December 2017.
Read:Top 14 ongoing mega construction projects in Africa
Also helping to boost Kenya’s position in East Africa is the USD 900 million Lake Turkana Wind Power Project. Covering over 40,000 acres and with a 310MW power generation capacity. The project is expected to boost clean energy supply in the country.
Kenya is also strongly investing in its port infrastructure. In the Lamu County plans are underway to construct three berths by 2020 with an estimated value of USD 689 million. Kenya also mulls constructing 29 more berths with the help of private sector investments, reaching an overall value of around USD 5 billion.
Projects like these and others on the pipeline present an opportunity for a booming construction industry in Kenya and the region. Lately, construction equipment manufacturers have pitched tent in Kenya in a bid to reap from the booming industry.
Participants at the first edition of The Big 5 Construct East Africa say that they were able to sign several deals both onsite and after the event.
Volvo for example the leading manufacturer of construction equipment, successfully closed deals selling three SDLG Wheel Loaders.
“Construction of infrastructures is always an opportunity in East Africa taking into consideration the vast amount of developments happening there,” Ivo Silva, Construction Equipment Business Manager said.
Organised by dmg events Middle East, Asia & Africa, The Big 5 Construct East Africa will provide new upgraded features this year.
Wangui Kabala, Corporate Communications Manager of the National Construction Authority, said that the NCA recognises that construction, a major pillar of Kenya’s Vision 2030, contributes immesely to the country’s economy and is the cornerstone of development.