QUESTIONS RAISED AS CHINESE-LINKED FIRMS EXPAND GRIP ON KENYA'S PUBLIC TENDERS

The growing presence of foreign-linked companies in Kenya’s public procurement sector is once again under scrutiny following revelations surrounding Chinese businesswoman Ying Du and her expanding footprint in State tenders.

A recent report highlighted how companies associated with Ying Du have secured both major infrastructure contracts and smaller public supply deals across several sectors in Kenya. The developments have renewed debate over whether local firms are being pushed aside despite laws meant to protect Kenyan contractors and businesses.

Unlike many Chinese contractors traditionally associated with mega infrastructure projects such as highways and railways, the companies linked to Ying Du appear to be spreading across multiple sectors including real estate, energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and public supplies.

One of the most notable projects connected to the businesswoman is the Sh1.25 billion upgrade of Koitalel Samoei University College in Nandi County. The institution has become one of several public projects tied to firms under the Sanjiu Group umbrella.

Oriole Homes, one of the firms linked to Ying Du, also won a tender to supply refrigerated milk coolers to the State Department of Livestock. Such contracts are usually expected to attract locally owned businesses, especially under Kenya’s procurement preference system designed to support youth, women and persons with disabilities.

The company has also been associated with larger procurement deals involving the National Social Security Fund and Kenya Tea Development Agency. These awards have drawn attention due to ongoing concerns over transparency, competition and the growing dominance of foreign-linked firms in State procurement.

Kenya’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act was introduced partly to ensure local contractors benefit from government-funded projects. However, local contractors have repeatedly complained that foreign firms, especially Chinese companies, continue to dominate lucrative tenders due to stronger financial muscle and international backing.

Over the years, Chinese firms have become central players in Kenya’s infrastructure growth, handling major projects such as roads, railway lines and energy developments. While many of these projects have improved connectivity and economic activity, concerns remain about whether Kenyan contractors are receiving fair opportunities in the market.

The rise of companies linked to Ying Du reflects a shift where foreign-owned firms are no longer limiting themselves to mega billion-shilling projects. Instead, they are increasingly competing for medium and small-sized tenders traditionally viewed as spaces for local enterprises.

The issue has sparked conversations among lawmakers and industry players, with some pushing for stricter rules that would reserve more public contracts for Kenyan-owned firms. Previous legislative proposals have sought to block foreign firms from projects below certain financial thresholds, although some proposals have faced resistance in Parliament.

At the same time, supporters of foreign investment argue that international firms bring efficiency, financing capacity and faster project delivery. Critics, however, maintain that overreliance on foreign contractors weakens the growth of local industries and limits opportunities for Kenyan entrepreneurs.

The procurement debate comes at a time when Kenya continues investing heavily in infrastructure, education facilities, energy projects and urban development. As more contracts are awarded, questions around transparency, local participation and fair competition are expected to remain central in public discussions.

For the construction and infrastructure sector, the story highlights the changing dynamics of procurement in Kenya and the growing influence of foreign-linked firms beyond traditional mega projects.