Italian firms eye Kenya’s construction boom as trade grows 39%

Italy has brought 21 companies to the Big 5 Construct Kenya exhibition in Nairobi as it seeks to increase its market share amid growing demand for construction machinery, pumps, piping systems and building materials.

The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) estimates that bilateral trade between Kenya and Italy rose 39% to approximately Ksh.40.95 billion in 2025, while Italian exports across 12 selected construction-related product categories reached about Ksh.1.7 billion.

Despite the growth, Italy accounts for only 2% of the market covered by the selected product categories, highlighting opportunities for manufacturers to expand their presence.

The ninth edition of Big 5 Construct Kenya runs from October 21 to 23 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, bringing together manufacturers, contractors, suppliers and other players in construction and infrastructure.

Italy’s pavilion has expanded to 21 companies from 17 at the previous edition, with participating firms seeking new commercial partnerships and stronger links with Kenyan businesses.

Trade data show that Italian pump exports to Kenya rose 5% to approximately KSh920 million in 2025, giving Italy a 9.61% market share and ranking it fourth among suppliers.

Centrifugal pumps accounted for about Ksh.739 million of the exports, an 8% increase from 2024, while exports of other liquid pumps rose 26% to approximately Ksh.72 million.

Italian suppliers are also targeting opportunities in building materials, with ceramic tile exports reaching about Ksh.160 million and plastic pipes and fittings accounting for approximately Ksh.99 million last year.

The prospects are supported by Kenya’s construction sector, which grew by 6.8% in 2025, alongside an estimated annual housing deficit of 200,000 units.

Demand for roads, railways, ports, housing and water infrastructure is expected to sustain demand for construction equipment and specialised materials.

Kenya’s imports of crushing, grinding and concrete-processing machinery stood at approximately KSh20.75 billion, presenting another potential market for foreign suppliers.

The exhibition provides Italian firms with a platform to connect with local contractors, distributors and project developers as the two countries seek to deepen commercial ties under the Kenya–Italy Action Plan for 2026–2029.