Korea’s cutting-edge smart city tech on display at Big 5 Construct Kenya Exhibition

The three-day event, running from November 6-8 at the Sarit Expo Centre, marks a significant moment in Kenya-Korea relations, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic cooperation.

As Kenya ambitiously pushes forward with its Vision 2030 development goals, participants said the country is ready to become a leader in smart city infrastructure within Africa.

This year’s Big 5 Construct Exhibition holds added significance for Kenya and Korea, which celebrated their diplomatic anniversary just over a month ago with the Korea-Kenya 60th Anniversary Economic Diplomacy Program.

The two-day event, held in early October, underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen economic ties and deepen cooperation across various fields, from technology to urban planning.

As part of this continued commitment, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT) have joined forces to bring Korean industry leaders to Kenya, creating a platform for Kenyan stakeholders to explore cutting-edge solutions tailored to the nation’s unique needs.

“Over the last six decades, Korea and Kenya have collaborated and advanced in political, economic, and cultural arenas,” said KOTRA Managing Director Ko Sung Min.

“This exhibition demonstrates our dedication to Kenya’s development journey.”

Korean companies participating in the event bring an extensive range of expertise in smart city solutions and urban infrastructure, aligning with Kenya’s strategic vision for sustainable urbanization.

The nine companies represented by KOTRA at this year’s exhibition bring pioneering solutions across diverse sectors, showcasing Korea’s strength in innovation and infrastructure.

Highlights include Samsung’s latest smart home appliances, which are designed for enhanced energy efficiency and connectivity, aligning with Kenya’s smart home market potential.

Meanwhile, MYUNG JI Engineering Consultants offers forward-thinking construction technology, while Kumkang Kind demonstrates its groundbreaking aluminum formwork, which promotes efficient and durable construction methods.

Equipped with sophisticated drone surveillance capabilities, AERO Research is also drawing attention, providing real-time security solutions ideal for large projects and expansive construction sites.

RXO, another top exhibitor, presents AI-powered fire alarm systems, exemplifying Korea’s commitment to advanced safety solutions for Kenya’s smart city development.

POQUTEC showcased its top-tier construction equipment attachments, including hydraulic hammers, which have already seen significant success in Kenya with over 160 units sold.

Known for their reliability and performance, POQUTEC’s attachments enhance efficiency on construction sites, aligning perfectly with Kenya’s infrastructure ambitions.

In addition, Dongwoo International Corporation, with over three decades of expertise, brought its impressive lineup to Nairobi.

This trusted industry leader provides a wide array of construction solutions—from road and bridge items to renewable energy structures—offering Kenyan developers cutting-edge products honed by years of technical know-how.

Their versatile portfolio supports projects across various terrains, making them invaluable in Kenya’s diverse infrastructure landscape.

“Being here at the Big 5 Construct is a unique opportunity for us,” noted Hansol Home Decor’s Sales Manager, Hyemin Lee, whose company is showcasing finishing materials like decorative MDF panels for doors, flooring, and walls.

“It’s essential to nurture relationships that can foster long-term partnerships in Kenya’s growing construction sector.”

The exhibition is expected to attract over 100 Kenyan buyers and key partners who will engage in business matchmaking and in-person meetings, facilitating an ideal environment for cross-border cooperation. 

Kenya’s Vision 2030 blueprint outlines the country’s ambition to develop smart cities, with Nairobi and Konza earmarked as key hubs.

The blueprint identifies intelligent transportation systems (ITS), smart energy grids, and innovative waste management solutions as critical areas of development to propel Kenya into a future-ready, sustainable urban environment.

The Korean delegation at the Big 5 Construct event is providing Kenyan stakeholders with insights into technologies and systems that can accelerate these goals.

For instance, RXO’s AI-driven fire alarms and AERO Research’s drone surveillance capabilities offer advanced safety and security options for large infrastructure projects.

Government officials at the exhibition said these innovations are pivotal to Kenya’s strategy of fostering safer, more efficient, and resilient urban environments.

The Big 5 Construct follows the success of the Smart City Export Support Project, a series of events organized by KOTRA to promote Korean smart city solutions in Kenya.

In June, a large-scale business conference hosted by KOTRA saw over 150 business meetings between Kenyan government officials and construction companies, including representatives from the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development, as well as prominent firms like Elite Tools, Achelis Kenya Limited and Mobikey Kenya Limited

KOTRA’s Managing Director emphasized Kenya’s status as a “country actively promoting government-led investment attraction policies and creating a business-friendly environment.”

He said KOTRA views Kenya as a key partner in Africa, where Korea’s advanced technology and development models can support critical sectors and fuel further economic growth.