5
Active Exim Projects
Projects with active subcontracting or JV procurement rounds in transport, power, and water sectors.
Funding Vehicles
China Exim Bank & Concessional Finance
How Chinese policy bank financing works in Kenya — contractor eligibility, local content obligations, JV procurement rules, and the active Exim-financed project pipeline.
China Exim in Kenya
Active Exim-Financed Procurement Pipeline
The Export-Import Bank of China has disbursed over $10 billion in concessional and preferential buyer's credit loans to Kenya since 2010 — financing the SGR, Thika Superhighway, multiple power projects, and key industrial park developments.
Local content regulations require a minimum 30% of contract value to be subcontracted to Kenyan-registered entities, creating significant opportunities for qualifying regional contractors even on Chinese SOE-led EPC projects.
$320M
Local Sub Opportunity
Estimated aggregate local subcontracting value across all active Exim-financed projects.
6
Chinese SOE Partners
Vetted Chinese SOE and private EPC firms with active Exim mandates seeking local JV partners.
Q3
2026 Award Target
Majority of open subcontracting rounds targeting award by Q3 2026.
50+
Years Combined Experience
Exim Financing Categories
China Exim Bank operates three main financing instruments in Kenya, each with different procurement rules, contractor nationality requirements, and local content obligations.
That keeps the section easy to scan while still giving enough context for stakeholders who need a little more detail before taking action.
01
Concessional Loans
Interest rates typically 2–3% with 20-year terms. Available only for projects that qualify under Chinese government concessional loan eligibility criteria — typically with strong strategic or bilateral significance. Tied procurement rules apply.
02
Preferential Buyer's Credit
Commercial-rate loans at 4–6% interest with 15-year terms. Used for commercially viable projects. More flexible on contractor nationality and procurement approach than concessional loans.
03
Tied vs. Untied Procurement
Under concessional loans, 50–70% of contract value must be procured from Chinese entities. Under buyer's credit, procurement is more flexible. Some newer agreements have reduced Chinese content requirements in response to Kenya's local content law.
04
Joint Venture Opportunities
Local content requirements and subcontracting provisions create significant sub-contract and JV opportunities for qualifying regional contractors on Exim-financed projects — even where the main contractor is a Chinese SOE.
Overview
The Largest Single Bilateral Lender in Kenya's Infrastructure History
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120+
Team Members
24/7
Availability
99%
Reliability
Global
Reach
Concessional Loans
Interest rates typically 2–3% with 20-year terms. Available only for projects that qualify under the Chinese government's concessional loan eligibility criteria, typically with strong strategic or bilateral significance.
Preferential Buyer's Credit
Commercial-rate loans at 4–6% interest with 15-year terms. Used for projects that are commercially viable but may not meet concessional loan criteria. More flexible on contractor nationality and procurement.
Tied vs. Untied Aid
Under concessional loans, 50–70% of contract value must be procured from Chinese entities. Under buyer's credit, procurement is more flexible. Some newer agreements have reduced Chinese content requirements in response to local content law.
Joint Venture Opportunities
Local content requirements and subcontracting provisions create significant subcontract and JV opportunities for qualifying regional contractors on Exim-financed projects — even where the main contractor is a Chinese SOE.
Overview
How Local and Regional Contractors Access Exim-Financed Projects
This block combines a strong opening message, a supporting image, and a short set of practical highlights so the layout stays clear on every device.
Use it for services, company summaries, product highlights, or any section that needs a balanced mix of text, visuals, and proof points.
Flexible structure
Swap the text, icons, and links without changing the layout.
Clean presentation
Keeps the spacing, contrast, and card rhythm controlled.
Fast to reuse
Designed to be dropped into any industry or site type.
120+
Team Members
24/7
Availability
99%
Reliability
Global
Reach
Find Active Exim Projects
Top Notch maintains a live list of China Exim-financed projects with open procurement opportunities for local and regional contractors.
JV or Sub-Contract Match
We match qualifying Kenyan and regional contractors with Chinese main contractors seeking compliant local content partners.
JV Agreement Structure
Top Notch advises on JV equity split, scope allocation, and legal structure to meet both parties' requirements.
Contract Execution
JV or subcontract signed. Top Notch monitors local content compliance and payment milestones throughout the construction phase.
China Exim Bank FAQ
Common Questions About Exim-Financed Projects
What local and international contractors need to know before applying to participate in China Exim-financed infrastructure projects in Kenya.
Can non-Chinese contractors bid for the main EPC contract on Exim projects?
Under pure concessional loan tied procurement, the main EPC contractor is typically pre-selected from Chinese entities. Under buyer's credit arrangements, procurement can be more open. Top Notch advises on the specific procurement rules for each project at the time of EOI submission.
What is the minimum local subcontracting requirement?
Under Kenya's Local Content (Construction) Regulations 2021, a minimum 30% of contract value must be subcontracted to Kenyan-registered entities on all large-scale construction projects regardless of the funding source.
How do I find out which projects are currently seeking local subcontractors?
Top Notch maintains a live pipeline of Exim-financed projects with open local subcontracting rounds. Submit an EOI on this site indicating your sector and capability, and our matching team will contact you within 48 hours with relevant live opportunities.
Do Exim-financed projects follow FIDIC contract conditions?
Main contracts on Exim-financed projects typically use Chinese standard construction contract forms. Subcontracts are often structured under NEC3/4 or modified FIDIC Subcontract conditions. Top Notch advises local contractors on contract risk before they commit to any subcontract.
Is there a risk of payment delays on Exim-financed projects?
Payment security is a key advisory focus. Top Notch only facilitates introductions to Exim-funded projects where the GoK has confirmed budgetary allocation for the local counterpart funding portion and where the main contractor has an established payment track record with Kenyan subcontractors.
What sectors are most active in the current Exim pipeline?
The current active Exim pipeline in Kenya covers: transport (roads and port), energy (grid upgrade and generation), and water (irrigation and treatment). The LAPSSET corridor remains the largest single Exim-financed programme with multiple sub-projects under active procurement.
Can Top Notch help with contract negotiation with Chinese main contractors?
Yes. Contract negotiation support — including Chinese language contract review, back-to-back subcontract alignment, and retention and payment security structuring — is provided as part of the JV formation advisory service.
Are there ESG requirements on Exim-financed projects?
Yes. Since 2021, China Exim Bank requires compliance with the Green Credit Policy (2012) and the Guidelines for Green Credit (2012). Projects above a threshold value also require Environmental Impact Assessments aligned to Chinese and host-country standards. Top Notch advises on E&S compliance documentation for local contractors.
Local Sub/JV Partner Criteria
Chinese main contractors on Exim-financed projects require local partners who meet the following minimum criteria:
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Kenyan-Registered EntityCertificate of incorporation from the Registrar of Companies of Kenya required.
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NCA Class A RegistrationNational Construction Authority Class A registration for works above KES 500M.
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3+ Years Track RecordMinimum 3 years of audited operational history with comparable project references.
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Bank Guarantee CapacityAbility to provide a performance bond of minimum 10% of sub-contract value.