The 10 Most Read Construction Stories of 2023

As the year comes to a close, we give you a round-up of the news that took the construction industry by storm in 2023 – sparking traffic spikes that nearly broke our site.

10. Kenya, China Ink Sh37bn Deal for Kiambu Road Project

[April 14, 2023] – Kenya has signed a Sh37.2 billion ($286.1 million) loan deal with China to finance the conversion of Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway to ease traffic congestion.

According to Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua, the government – through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), has entered into a deal with Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation Limited for the execution of the Kiambu Road dualling project. Read the full story.

9. Churches Push Faith to New Heights With Mega Cities

[April 14, 2023] – Kenyan churches are taking their faith to the next level with big announcements of plans to build divine megacities to meet the needs of their congregations.

Unlike years ago, when churches only invested in schools, colleges, and hospitals, houses of worship are now taking a keen interest in the local real estate market. Read the full story.

8. Shah Family to Build Sh3bn Hospital in Nairobi Complex

[September 28, 2023] – The Suresh Bhagwanji Shah family is building a five-storey hospital within the Nairobi Business Park, which they acquired last year for about Sh2 billion.

The facility, to be known as the World Trade Centre Hospital, will be located within the Grade A office complex on Ngong Road, Nairobi. Read the full story.

7. Work Begins on Sh18bn Mwache Dam in Kwale

[April 7, 2023] – Construction of Mwache Dam in Kwale is finally underway, following a groundbreaking ceremony on the site of the project that has been delayed for years.

The project, which was approved 10 years ago, had failed to kick off due to land compensation issues between landowners and the government. Read the full story.

6. KenGen to Build Africa’s Biggest Wind Farm

[October 3, 2023] – KenGen is scheduled to build a gigawatt-scale (1000 MW) wind farm in Marsabit, northern Kenya, as the push towards achieving 100% renewable energy intensifies.

According to a report published by Bloomberg, the company will seek debt funding to cover 75% of the required investment and finance the balance with equity. Read the full story.

5. Chinese Firm Halts Work on Sh20bn Koru-Soin Dam

[April 14, 2023] – The much-delayed Koru-Soin Dam construction project in western Kenya is facing additional delays as the contractor has stopped on-site work, citing pending bills.

China Jiangxi Economic and Technical Cooperation Co., Ltd., which had started work on site after receiving Sh499 million from the government in August last year, is demanding Sh846.5 million before resuming work. Read the full story.

4. Builders to Exit Kenya After Two Years of Struggle

[February 14, 2023] – South African retailer Builders Warehouse is set to exit the Kenyan building and construction market due to persistent financial losses and poor performance.

Builders Warehouse, a subsidiary of South Africa’s retail giant Massmart, has initiated the process required for the closure of its sole local outlet at the Waterfront Karen in Nairobi barely two years after opening shop. Read the full story.

3. KDF to Begin Upgrade of ‘AFCON 2027’ Stadiums

[April 14, 2023] – The Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) are set to begin renovations of the country’s top stadiums after receiving approval from the Cabinet.

The project, whose budget has not been made public, involves the renovation of Nyayo, Kasarani, and Kipchoge Keino (Eldoret) stadiums. Read the full story.

2.  ‘Team Europe’ to Build Sh47bn Green BRT in Nairobi

[April 13, 2023] – Kenya and the European Commission have signed a Sh47 billion (€347.6 million) deal for the construction of East Africa’s first bus rapid transit (BRT) for electric buses.

The deal that was signed during President William Ruto’s tour of Belgium on March 29 will unlock funds for the construction of Nairobi Core Bus Rapid Transit Line 3 (BRT 3), which will be used by zero-emission electric buses. Read the full story.

1. BBS Mall: Inside Eastleigh’s Biggest Shopping Complex

[April 14, 2023] – The bustling Eastleigh estate in Nairobi is set to welcome an impressive shopping mall that is designed to be among the finest shopping centres in East Africa.

Dubbed BBS Mall, the acronym for Business Bay Square Mall, the new development is expected to open its doors to the public in the coming weeks – offering Nairobi residents and tourists the ultimate shopping experience. Read the full story.

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