Two years after Kenya’s deal with India’s Adani Group to modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport collapsed, the state-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has won a US$1.2 billion contract to undertake the project. Similarly, after France’s Vinci lost a major highway contract in Kenya, CRBC and another Chinese firm took over development responsibilities.

These developments illustrate China’s expanding infrastructure footprint in Africa. According to local media, CRBC has been awarded US$9.3 billion worth of infrastructure contracts in Kenya. However, concerns have been raised about the original 30-year concession terms, under which the Kenyan government would bear all the risk, potentially increasing public costs.

Aly-Khan Satchu, a Nairobi-based analyst on sub-Saharan African geoeconomics, noted that China offers a "full suite" package that includes financing, construction, and often operation. He explained that China’s competitive edge comes from flexible financing options and lower costs. In contrast, Satchu said, "Western companies are simply not competitive," citing their "very elevated" prices due to the risks associated with doing business in Africa.

These shifts underscore the challenges Western firms face in Africa’s infrastructure market amid China’s growing presence.

Sources