Chinese construction giant LiuGong has set up a new assembly plant in Syokimau, Machakos County, signaling its ambitious plans to tap into the growing demand for infrastructure development in East Africa. The new plant, which serves as the regional business hub for LiuGong Machinery East Africa Limited, aims to meet the needs of upcoming multibillion-shilling projects in the region.
LiuGong, one of the world’s leading construction equipment manufacturers, has been operational for over six decades and ranks as the 10th-largest construction equipment maker globally by market share. Known for its large fleet of heavy-duty machinery, including wheel loaders, excavators, and road rollers, LiuGong is focused on expanding its presence in Africa, particularly in East Africa, where the construction sector is experiencing rapid growth.
The Syokimau plant is poised to serve the eight-member states of the East African Community (EAC), including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The EAC’s combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stands at a whopping $295 billion, with a population of around 350 million people, creating a significant demand for infrastructure development in areas such as roads, dams, and industrial facilities.
LiuGong has not just set up the plant for business but also aims to support local talent development through technology transfer. CEO Guangan Zeng emphasized that the company intends to collaborate with local higher learning institutions to train Kenyan engineers in cutting-edge mechanical engineering technologies. South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County has already expressed interest in such a partnership, which will offer its engineering students exposure to the latest in construction technology.
Beyond training, the LiuGong plant will serve as a critical hub for providing after-sales services and customer support to East African clients. As Zeng pointed out during the plant’s official opening, the facility will bring in advanced equipment crucial for large-scale infrastructure projects, including road and dam construction. This development comes at a time when Kenya and its neighbors are witnessing a surge in infrastructure projects funded by both public and private investments.
In addition to meeting local demand, LiuGong’s plant in Kenya enhances its position as a key player in Africa’s construction equipment market. With its extensive product range and focus on technological transfer, the company is set to play a significant role in shaping the region’s future infrastructure landscape.
