Located about 30 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, China Wu Yi (Kenya) Precast Co Ltd has made a significant impact on the local construction industry with its state-of-the-art factory dedicated to new building technologies.
Since 2016, the company has developed the Kenya Building Industrialization Research Development and Production Base, also known as “Wu Yi Base,” in Athi River. This impressive facility combines a precast materials production base, a building materials supermarket, and living quarters, all set against a backdrop of serene plains and farmland.
The factory is buzzing with activity, producing precast components like concrete slabs, steel beams, and columns that are used in the construction of modern homes. This has not only advanced building techniques but also created job opportunities for locals. Brian Calisto Kariuki, a 30-year-old geospatial engineering graduate, joined the company in 2017. He started at the factory and has now progressed to an assistant manager role, thanks to the valuable mentorship he received from his Chinese supervisor.
Kariuki highlights the efficiency of precast technology, which allows developers to assemble columns and slabs on-site quickly. This method not only accelerates the building process but also ensures high quality and durability, regardless of weather conditions. For instance, a project can see the completion of four floors in a single month, which saves both time and money while maintaining control over the concrete quality.
China Wu Yi has already made its mark with landmark projects like the Central Bank of Kenya pension towers and the Rose Avenue shopping center in Nairobi. Their facility at Wu Yi Base is capable of producing 50,000 cubic meters of prefabricated components annually, catering to developers who need quick and cost-effective construction solutions.
The impact of Wu Yi Base extends beyond construction. It has attracted attention from regulatory officials who commend its contribution to Kenya’s industrial and economic development. The company is also committed to minimizing environmental impact by controlling dust pollution and reducing raw material wastage.
Adjacent to the precast factory is the Coloho Mall, a hub for building materials and home furnishings. This center showcases over 20 Chinese brands and provides essential materials like ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, and hardware tools to the Kenyan market.
For local employees like Mercy Wambui, a 30-year-old marketer, the factory and the mall have been instrumental in making homeownership more accessible through affordable, high-quality materials. Wambui is optimistic about the future, anticipating further collaboration between China and Kenya in manufacturing and housing sectors, which promises economic growth, technology transfers, and job creation.
