Data from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) reveals that ten companies won contracts valued at Sh131.67 billion, representing 60.5% of the Sh217.45 billion in public tenders awarded in the year ending June 2025. This marks a significant rise from the previous year, when the top ten suppliers captured 28.1% of tenders worth Sh73.9 billion.

Concentration in Infrastructure and Housing

The bulk of these contracts were awarded in sectors such as infrastructure, water, housing, and transport. Chinese state-owned enterprises secured some of the largest deals, signaling a renewed preference for Chinese contractors in major projects.

  • Sinohydro Corporation won a Sh23.63 billion contract for the Keben Dam Water Supply Project in Nandi County, a project revived and expanded under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
  • China Communications Construction Company secured a Sh16.95 billion contract to construct and finance Berth 19B and related infrastructure at the Port of Mombasa, aimed at easing port congestion.
  • Jiangxi Construction Engineering (Group) Co. Ltd was awarded a Sh6 billion contract to install fibre-optic cables along a 38-kilometre road.

Local Firms and Political Connections

Among local companies, Linzi Finco LLP was the largest beneficiary, winning a Sh42.52 billion contract to develop Talanta Sports City. The firm is linked to Liaison Group and its managing director Thomas Kimeu Mulwa, with former President Daniel arap Moi's aide Joshua Kulei holding a significant indirect stake, highlighting concerns over crony capitalism.

Other notable local winners include:

  • Shyam General Merchants Limited – Two contracts worth Sh10.44 billion for affordable housing and airstrip construction.
  • Miliki Development Company – Awarded Sh8.34 billion to widen port roads, with links to businesswoman Mirriam Jepkosgei Saina, a key fertiliser importer under government initiatives.
  • Stecol Corporation – Won a Sh8.34 billion tender for port road works and additional contracts, some linked to Chinese ownership.
  • Landmark Holdings Limited – Received Sh6.22 billion for affordable housing in Nairobi.
  • Chaju Builders Limited – Secured Sh5.56 billion for industrial park and housing development in Busia.
  • Victoria Engineering Company Limited – Awarded Sh3.68 billion for road upgrades in Turbo.

Transparency Challenges

Despite the scale of contracts, over half (57%) of all 25,994 tenders reported in the period lacked disclosure of beneficial ownership, raising transparency and accountability concerns in public procurement.