Construction sector crumbles under political heat as investors retreat

Locals at the scene in Nairobi where a civilian hawking face masks was shot by the police.[Collins Oduor, Standard]

Kenya's construction sector is on the brink, as rising political temperatures, fueled by nationwide protests over police brutality and the death of Albert Ojwang in custody-trigger an economic slowdown, stall building projects, and disrupt supply chains.

A sector once valued at over Sh1.5 trillion in GDP contribution in 2022 is now facing contraction, with contractors suspending work and developers holding back due to mounting uncertainty.