South Korean firm HS Hwaseong has secured a major contract to build a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Nairobi. The deal marks the first time the company has entered the African infrastructure market. Valued at approximately 78.4 billion won, the project involves constructing a 10.5km road section on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital. The construction phase is expected to last 24 months.

This development follows a strategic shift by the firm. Since changing its name in July 2024 and launching a dedicated overseas division, HS Hwaseong has spent 19 months pursuing international opportunities. These include solar power projects in Vietnam and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives across Asia and South America. For this specific venture, the company is partnering with Youngjin Construction. HS Hwaseong holds a 40 per cent stake in the consortium and will focus on technical execution and quality control. Youngjin Construction will utilise its 50 years of experience to manage administrative and sales operations.

The project is backed by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) from the Export-Import Bank of Korea. Work will include the creation of 13 BRT stops, an operations base, two viaducts and three steel bridges. The route starts near the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and ends at the headquarters of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). HS Hwaseong began preparations in mid-2025 by sending civil engineers for site inspections. Two permanent staff members were recently stationed in Kenya following an internal competition to ensure smooth operations.

HS Hwaseong Overseas Business Team Leader Jang Ik-mo said, “This BRT project is a project that can simultaneously relieve traffic congestion and air pollution in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, and is in line with our company’s pursuit of sustainability for humanity.” He added, “In the future, along with expanding our participation in EDCF bidding, we will continue to expand our overseas business portfolio by adding HS Hwaseong’s strengths in international greenhouse gas reduction projects, eco-friendly renewable energy projects, and overseas PPP (public-private partnership) projects.”

The firm hopes this project will serve as a global showcase for its 68 years of engineering expertise. By introducing smart construction technologies to Kenya, the group intends to secure further infrastructure and renewable energy contracts across the continent.