Kenya’s public procurement landscape in the 2024/2025 financial year was heavily dominated by just ten companies, which collectively secured contracts valued at KSh 131.67 billion. This amount represents 60.5% of the total KSh 217.45 billion reported in government tenders during that period, according to data from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

Leading Beneficiaries and Ownership

The largest single contract was awarded to Linzi Finco LLP, which received KSh 42.52 billion for the Talanta Sports City project. Linzi Finco LLP lists Thomas Kimeu Mulwa, managing director of Liaison Group, as its beneficial owner. Liaison Group’s ownership includes notable figures such as Joshua Kulei, a former aide to ex-president Daniel arap Moi, who holds an indirect 33% stake in Liaison Capital, a partner in Linzi Finco LLP.

Chinese Firms Among Top Winners

  • Sinohydro Corporation: Awarded KSh 23.63 billion.
  • China Communications Construction Company: Secured KSh 16.95 billion.
  • Jiangxi Construction Engineering (Group) Co. Ltd: Received KSh 6 billion.

The presence of these Chinese state-owned contractors highlights Kenya’s continued reliance on Chinese firms for major infrastructure projects.

Other Significant Contracts

  • Shyam General Merchants Limited: Owned by Harish Meghji Rabandia, awarded KSh 10.44 billion for housing and airstrip projects.
  • Miliki Development Company: Beneficial owner Tian Yisheng, won KSh 8.34 billion for port road expansion.
  • Landmark Holdings Limited: Linked to the Sethi family, received KSh 6.22 billion for affordable housing in Nairobi.
  • Chaju Builders Limited: Owned by Cornel Opiyo Osano, awarded KSh 5.56 billion for an industrial park in Busia.
  • Victoria Engineering Company Limited: Secured KSh 3.68 billion for road upgrades in Turbo.

Rising Concentration and Concerns

The concentration of government contracts among the top ten firms more than doubled compared to the previous year, where they shared 28.1% of tenders worth KSh 73.9 billion. This trend raises questions about equitable access to public procurement and the influence of established business networks within government contracting.

Upcoming Tender from KeNHA

Separately, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has advertised a tender for the supply and installation of 66 software licenses for the World Bank-supported Horn of Africa Gateway Development Project (HoAGDP). This initiative aims to enhance road infrastructure and digital connectivity across Northern Kenya.