This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
On August 14, 2019, Business Daily reported that Chinese heavy machinery manufacturer XCMG was targeting a growing infrastructure market in counties.
The firm, now the sixth-largest equipment maker globally, is seeking deals with contractors working on billions of shillings worth of road and building projects.
According to Emanuel Masika, XCMG's general manager for machines sales, counties are the new frontier for growth for equipment makers.
"We are seeing more business in the counties on the rising infrastructure and building activities and we are going big for this market," he said, adding that market share growth will hinge on their global strategy of quality equipment and pricing.
Contractors have noted that people are starting to prefer Chinese products because "they are almost as good as those made by Western companies, but 30 percent cheaper".
XCMG will host an open day for contractors, engineers, and other building professionals to showcase its product range.
The firm is also offering a credit scheme where contractors can acquire equipment and pay for years.
Kenya had roads projects under construction worth Sh303 billion last year, up from Sh59.3 billion in 2016, with the bulk of the road works happening in counties.
