Chinese construction firm Weihai Construction Group has secured a Sh3.2 billion government contract to upgrade three roads in Busia County, following the expiry of a 35-month debarment imposed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) over fraudulent practices in Kenyan infrastructure projects. The award was made by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) on July 6, 2026.
The contract covers the Butula–Nambale–Amukura (C825), Amukura–Machakusi (C808) and Kotur–Kocholia (Amagoro) roads. The project will involve upgrading the roads to bitumen standards and maintaining them to improve transport connectivity across the county.
The award marks the contractor's return to publicly funded infrastructure projects in Kenya after the AfDB sanctioned the company on November 19, 2021. The 35-month debarment followed investigations by the bank's Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, which established that Weihai had engaged in fraudulent practices in three Kenyan infrastructure programmes.
These included the Sh33 billion Kenol-Sagana-Marua Highway Improvement Project, Phase Two of the Nairobi Rivers Basin Rehabilitation and Restoration Programme, and the Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Programme.
During the sanction period, Weihai and its affiliates were barred from participating in AfDB-financed projects. The debarment also qualified for enforcement by other multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Inter-American Development Bank.
In December 2021, the AfDB stated that the company would become eligible to participate in its financed projects after the ban expired, subject to implementing an integrity compliance programme in line with the bank's guidelines.
The latest contract adds to Weihai's portfolio of road construction projects in Kenya. KeRRA records also identify the company as the contractor for the Sh2.18 billion Soy-Serekea-Kilimani-Turbo roads project and the Sh722 million Narumoru-Ngaring'iru-Nairutia Ngobit road project.
The Busia roads project comes amid increased government spending on road infrastructure, with authorities seeking to improve access to markets, schools, health facilities and other economic centres.
Attention will now turn to the implementation of the Sh3.2 billion contract, including construction timelines, project quality and the contractor's delivery of the three road upgrades.
