africa market intelligence
Kenya is entering a new infrastructure cycle that could reshape East Africa’s transport and energy landscape over the next decade. In 2026 alone, the government has earmarked thousands of kilometres of highways for dualling and tarmacking, confirmed extensions to the Standard Gauge Railway, advanced port modernisation plans, and reopened large sections of its upstream oil and gas acreage to investors. Kenya: Infrastructure Acceleration Creates Industrial Openings
congested. Airport facilities are operating near limits. Energy demand continues to rise alongside industrial and residential expansion. The government’s response has been clear: build, upgrade and expand. . Expressways and National Corridors The proposed 60 km Nairobi–Thika Expressway, branching from Museum Hill to Thika town, is designed to decongest one of the busiest commuter routes in the country. It will complement the existing Thika Superhighway and introduce modern tolling, bridge structures and traffic management systems. The Nairobi–Mombasa Usahihi Expressway, a 525 km six-lane corridor valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion, will run parallel to the current highway and significantly reduce travel time between the capital and the coast. Additional major projects include:
For stainless steel suppliers and fabricators, this is not just a headline story about growth. It is a pipeline of technically demanding projects that require corrosion resistance, hygiene compliance, structural reliability and long service life in aggressive environments ranging from coastal marine zones to highland rainfall regions. A Strategic Gateway Under Expansion Kenya, remains the primary logistics gateway for East Africa. The Port of Mombasa serves not only Kenya but also Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and parts of the eastern DRC. Nairobi, the capital, functions as the region’s financial and commercial hub, hosting multinational headquarters and major development agencies. With a population exceeding 54 million (2026 est.) and rapid urbanisation underway, infrastructure capacity is under sustained pressure. Transport corridors are
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Issue 1 – 2026
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