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The presence of Chinese firms has boosted Kenya’s construction sector, the head of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) said on Wednesday.
Currently, most of the public infrastructure projects are being implemented by Chinese firms, IEK President Nathaniel Matalanga told Xinhua in Nairobi.
“Chinese contractors have helped the country because they have better technology as well as new ways of labor-management that ensure projects are completed on time,” Matalanga said during the launch of the 27th IEK International Conference, which will be held on Nov. 25-27.
The organizers said 1,800 visitors from 15 countries are expected to attend the three-day conference, which will be conducted both virtually and physically due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Matalanga noted that local contractors lack the capacity to undertake huge projects due to a combination of factors, including lack of access to affordable finance.
Chinese firms have modern technology in steel and concrete that makes them more competitive compared to local contractors, he said.
The upcoming conference will provide a platform for local engineers to learn from and exchange ideas with their global counterparts on the best practices in the industry, Matalanga said.
“We are also keen to learn how the Chinese engineering and construction community has been able to raise funds to undertake projects,” he added.
Matalanga said China has been able to construct modern cities through the development of local innovations in the engineering fields.
